Prairie Wildflowers and Grasses of North Dakota

Spring Wildflowers

Chris Grondahl photo: Prairie crocus
Chris Grondahl Prairie crocus
(Anemone patens)
Distribution: statewide
Habitat: undisturbed prairies
Flowers: 5-7 veined petals, pale blue or mauve in color, occasionally white or light yellow
Height: about 4 inches
Blooms: mid-April to mid-May (earliest prairie flower)
Family name: Buttercup (Ranunculaceae)
Other names: Pasque flower, Wild crocus, Wind flower, May flower
Plant uses and other interesting facts: Dakota Indians gave this flower special power, as they believed its song encouraged other plans to awaken.

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