Anemone Occidentalis, Western Pasque Flower

Plants > Wildflowers > Ranunculaceae > Anemone Occidentalis

Two large flowers of anemone occidentalis (Western pasque flower), Mount Scott Trail, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

The large blooms of anemone occidentalis seem out of place above the clusters of tiny leaves around the base, and they last only for a short time. The plant grows in mountainous regions of the West, flowering soon after the snows melt. Both leaf stalks and flower stems are covered by relatively long, white, silky hairs. Each stem is topped by 5, 6 or 7 sepals forming a cup-shaped flower containing up to 200 small yellow stamens. In mid to late summer the flowers are followed by a fluffy mass of seeds, which persists for several months.

Common names:

Western pasque flower, white pasque flower

Family:

Buttercup (Ranunculaceae)

Scientific name:

Anemone occidentalis

Synonym:

Pulsatilla occidentalis

Main flower color:

White

Range:

The three Pacific states, plus small areas of Idaho and Montana

Height:

Up to 2 feet but usually rather shorter

Habitat:

Open mountainsides and meadows; moist environments

Leaves:

Needle-like; finely divided, mostly around the base, growing on short, hairy stalks

Season:

April to July