Native Plant of the Week: American Pasqueflower ~ Anemone patens

American Pasqueflower ~ Anemone patens


American Pasqueflower is a wonderful sign of spring in prairies and dry sites. The hairy flower stalks almost glitter in the low angles of a rising or setting sun.

The large, 1.5 inch wide flowers open up for warm temperatures during the middle of the day and close up at night. Flower color can range from white to a light blue.

Forming small, short clusters (5-10" tall), American Pasqueflower is often found in dry shallow soils on cliffs. This native perennial prefers a sunny hillside, or prairie over a partially shaded woodland edge.

If you have a sunny location with well drained soils and are looking for a nice alternative to non-native spring bulbs, definitely give Pasqueflower a try.

Seed heads somewhat resemble the feathery seed heads of Prairie Smoke adding some extra interest in the landscape in the late spring.

I have been watching mine closely this spring for what types of pollinators are visiting the flowers.

This week, they were several small Sweat Bees (Lasioglossum Subgenus Dialictus) pollinating the flowers. Bumble Bees and Mason Bees have just emerged so I'll be watching closely if they also visit the Pasqueflower.

Kartesz, J.T., The Biota of North America Program (BONAP).
2011. North American Plant Atlas. Chapel Hill, N.C.

American Pasqueflower is native to central North America, see map for range.