Pasque Flower, European pasqueflower

Pulsatilla vulgaris

Physical Characteristics

Pulsatilla vulgaris is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Northern and central Europe, including Britain, to W. Asia.

Habitats

Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Antispasmodic Diaphoretic Diuretic Emmenagogue Expectorant Homeopathy Nervine Ophthalmic Sedative Pasque flower is considered by herbalists to be of highly valuable modern curative use as a herbal simple[4]. The plant contains the glycoside ranunculin, this is converted to anemonine when the plant is dried and is the medicinally active principle in the plant[268]. The whole plant is alterative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, nervine and sedative[4, 46, 165]. It is taken internally in the treatment of pre-menstrual syndrome, inflammations of the reproductive organs, tension headaches, neuralgia, insomnia, hyperactivity, bacterial skin infections, septicaemia, spasmodic coughs in asthma, whooping cough and bronchitis[238]. Externally, it is used to treat eye conditions such as diseases of the retina, senile cataract and glaucoma[244]. This remedy should be used with caution[165], excessive doses cause diarrhoea and vomiting[238]. It should not be prescribed to patients with colds[238]. See also the notes above on toxicity[165]. The plant is harvested soon after flowering, it is more poisonous when fresh and so should be carefully preserved by drying[4, 268]. It should not be stored for longer than 12 months before being used[4]. In homeopathy, the plant is considered to be specific in the treatment of measles[244]. It is also used for treating nettle rash, toothache, earache and bilious indigestion[244].

Known Hazards

The plant is slightly toxic, the toxins are dissipated by heat or by drying the plant[65]. Repeated handling of the plant can cause skin irritation in some people[238].