Pasqueflower
29 March 2010
One of our most beautiful native flowers, the Pasqueflower is known as the Anemone of Passiontide. A low-growing perennial with downy feathery foliage, its vibrant purple petals encircle a tuft of yellow stamens . There is a legend that Pasqueflowers spring from the blood of Romans or Danes, as they typically occur on old earthworks such as barrows and boundary banks. However it is more likely this association reflects the plant’s need for undisturbed chalk/limestone grassland which has survived in these places as they have always been too steep to plough.
Pasqueflower (c) Kevin Walker BSBI
Latin name: Pulsatilla vulgaris L.
Population numbers: Since its discovery in 1551 the Pasqueflower has been recorded from around 120 sites , however at present just 18 populations are known. Only five populations appear to be thriving and these now account for over 99% of the entire UK population (c. 162,000 plants). In contrast, ten populations support less than 50 individuals and at four of these conditions for the plant appear sub-optimal.
Where to see and when: Pasqueflower is now a nationally scarce plant and is recognised as a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In the UK it is restricted to England where it occurs at scattered sites on chalk or limestone grassland in East Anglia, on the Chilterns, Cotswolds, and in Lincolnshire and West Yorkshire. Curiously it has never been recorded in the South East and South West despite much suitable habitat. One of the best sites to see it is Barnack Hills and Holes National Nature Reserve, an area of limestone grassland on the site of disused quarry workings just outside Peterborough. It blooms around Easter: hence the name "Pasque", meaning "like Paschal", "of Easter”.
What’s being done: Whilst historical losses are attributable to ploughing, mineral extraction and urban development the main cause of recent declines is reduced grazing of its grassland sites. This results in a tall grassland sward dominated by grasses such as Upright Brome and Tor-grass which out-compete Pasqueflower and other species dependent on short open grassland. Natural England is working with landowners to re-instate appropriate grazing regimes on grasslands known to support populations of Pasqueflower.
More information
