Dahurian pasqueflower

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Dahurian pasqueflower

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pulsatilla vulgaris var. latisecta
• Anemone pulsatilla var. daourica
• Anemone dahurica
• Pulsatilla dahurica f. pleniflora

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and order Ranunculales, it falls under the family Ranunculaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Pulsatilla.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across the northern reaches of Asia. In the vast expanse of Siberia, it can be found growing in the regions of Buryatiya, Chita, and Yakutiya. Moving toward the eastern edge of the continent, its presence extends into the Russian Far East. Within this area, the species is specifically documented in the Amur region. Additionally, the plant's range reaches as far east as the Kamchatka Peninsula.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Pulsatilla dahurica is characterized by its preference for specific moisture-rich environments, frequently occurring in proximity to rivers. This preference for riparian or near-river zones suggests a dependency on the stable hydrological conditions and the alluvial soils often found in such landscapes. These habitats provide the necessary soil moisture and nutrient availability required for its growth cycle. By positioning itself near river systems, the plant benefits from the microclimates created by water bodies, which can moderate temperature fluctuations and provide the consistent hydration essential for its seasonal development.

Habitat :

rivers

Life history

The life history of Pulsatilla dahurica is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years and undergoes repeated growth cycles throughout its lifespan. Its development begins with the emergence of shoots from a persistent underground rhizome, which serves as a vital storage organ for nutrients to support its seasonal growth. In the spring, the plant produces distinctive, silky-haired foliage and large, bell-shaped flowers that are central to its reproductive phase. Following successful pollination, the plant transitions into a seed-production stage, where it develops feathery, achene-type fruits designed for anemochory, or wind dispersal, to ensure the colonization of new habitats. As the growing season concludes, the above-ground parts typically wither, and the plant enters a period of dormancy, relying on its established root system to survive adverse environmental conditions until the following spring.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pulsatilla dahurica is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, appearing specifically as a herbaceous forb. The plant is a self-supporting species that does not exhibit climbing behavior. In terms of stature, it is a relatively small plant with a height ranging from a minimum of 0.15 m to a maximum of 0.4 m.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Plant height max:

0.4 m

Plant height min:

0.15 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Pulsatilla dahurica is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering cycle and the development of small, uniform fruit structures. The flowering period typically commences in June and extends through July, though the timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. Following pollination, the plant produces fruits that exhibit highly consistent dimensions; the fruit length remains constant across all recorded measurements, with a minimum, mean, and maximum length all measured at 0.3 cm.

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Jul

Fruit length max:

0.3 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Pulsatilla dahurica has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include rhizome.

Rhizome

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Chemicals

Pulsatilla dahurica has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Saponins.

Saponins

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Preparations