Pulsatilla nuttalliana, commonly known as Nuttall's pasqueflower or prairie crocus, is a species of herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. It is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, which also includes buttercups and anemones.
Nuttall's pasqueflower is typically found in dry, open prairies and meadows, where it thrives in well-drained soils. The plant emerges early in the spring, often before the last frost, and is one of the first wildflowers to bloom in the season.
The foliage of Pulsatilla nuttalliana consists of finely divided, fern-like leaves that form a basal rosette. The leaves are usually covered with fine hairs, giving them a soft, silvery appearance. From the center of the rosette, slender stems emerge, each bearing a single flower.
The flowers of Pulsatilla nuttalliana are solitary and bell-shaped, with several petal-like sepals that can range in color from deep purple to lavender or white. They have a delicate beauty and are pollinated by early spring insects such as bees and flies.
After flowering, Pulsatilla nuttalliana produces feathery seed heads that disperse seeds for propagation. The plant then goes dormant during the hot summer months, returning the following spring to repeat its life cycle.