Pulsatilla vernalis

Pulsatilla vernalis is a small flowering plant of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, known in English as the spring pasqueflower, the arctic violet and the lady of the snows. It is native to mountainous habitats in Europe. A semi-evergreen perennial, it grows to about 10 centimetres in height and width and carries hairy, divided leaves. In early spring it produces anemone-like flowers up to 6 centimetres across, white flushed with violet on the outer face of the petals, with prominent yellow stamens. The specific epithet vernalis means of spring. Gardeners grow it in alpine gardens or alpine houses, in sharply drained soil in full sun; it is very hardy but dislikes winter wetness, and it has earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It is also a regional emblem, serving as the county flower of the former Oppland county in Norway, of Harjedalen in Sweden and of South Karelia in Finland.