Eastern pasqueflower in Polissia
Pulsatilla patens
Red Data Book of Ukraine: not evaluated Caution: poisonous
The eastern pasqueflower is a low perennial plant covered all over in silvery hairs. In early spring, before the leaves appear, large violet or blue-lilac flowers with a yellow centre open. After flowering, fluffy “wigs” of seeds with long awns form.
In Polissia the pasqueflower grows in dry, light pine forests on sand, on forest edges and in glades. It can be seen in the open pine forests of all of Polissia's regions, but it is never abundant anywhere.
The pasqueflower blooms in April, among the first of the forest herbs. Its flowers close at night and in dull weather, which is why its Ukrainian name means “sleep”.
The eastern pasqueflower is listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine. The flowers must not be picked or dug up, and trading in them is prohibited. The plant is poisonous.
When to see: April, sometimes late March
Where it was seen in Polissia
Observations from the open scientific database GBIF since 1990. Locations are shown approximately, to within 10 km.
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