Pulsatilla alpina subsp. apiifolia

Pulsatilla sulphurea

Pulsatilla alpina subsp. apiifolia, commonly known as Alpine Pasqueflower, is a resilient perennial native to high-altitude European meadows. Renowned for its striking violet blooms, this botanical treasure has long been studied for its bioactive compounds, offering significant traditional medicinal potential in treating inflammatory conditions and various skin ailments.

  • Scientific name: Pulsatilla alpina subsp. apiifolia
  • Family: Ranunculaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Ranunculales and the family Ranunculaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Pulsatilla.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ranunculales WCVP
Family Ranunculaceae WCVP
Genus Pulsatilla WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Pulsatilla alpina subsp. apiifolia, is recognized by several distinct common names depending on the language and region. In German, it is frequently referred to as the Gelbe Alpen-Kuhschelle, Schwefelanemone, Schwefel-Anemone, or Schwefel-Küchenschelle. In French, it is commonly called la Pulsatille soufrée.
Language Common Name Source
de Gelbe Alpen-Kuhschelle Wikidata
fr Pulsatille soufrée Wikidata
de Schwefelanemone Wikidata
de Schwefel-Anemone Wikidata
de Schwefel-Küchenschelle Wikidata
de Gelbe Alpen-Küchenschelle Wikidata
fr Anémone souffrée Wikidata
fr Pulsatilla sulphurea Wikidata
br Pulsatilla sulphurea Wikidata
ca Pulsatilla sulphurea Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several regions of Europe. In Middle Europe, its presence is well-documented in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The species also extends into Southwestern Europe, where it can be found growing in France. Additionally, its range reaches further south into the territory of Spain. Overall, these locations highlight the specific continental habitats favored by this subspecies.

Region Area Source
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Switzerland WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe NW. Balkan Pen. WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Pulsatilla alpina subsp. apiifolia, is primarily utilized for its medicinal properties through its flowering aerial parts. These above-ground structures consist of the stems, leaves, and highly distinctive blooms that emerge during the growing season. The flowering aerial parts contain the concentrated secondary metabolites responsible for the plant's therapeutic effects, making them the essential component harvested for pharmacological use.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
flowering aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Pulsatilla alpina subsp. apiifolia has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include anemonin, protoanemonin.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
anemonin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
protoanemonin 1 ★☆☆☆☆