Pulsatilla cernua (Thunb.) Bercht. & J.Presl

Pulsatilla cernua (Thunb.) Bercht. & J.Presl is a herbaceous plant that ranges from 15 to 45 cm (6 to 18 inches) tall, and is covered in long, soft, simple hairs.

Rhizome Structure

It grows from rhizomes that measure 6–12 cm (2–5 in) long and 7–12 mm (0.3–0.5 in) in diameter.

Leaf Development

Each plant produces 3 to 6 or more leaves, which are not fully developed when the plant begins flowering. The leaves grow on petioles 4.5–18 cm (2–7 in) long, and are pinnate, with 5 to 7 three-lobed leaflets. Full-grown leaves are 3.5–12 cm (1.4–4.7 in) long and 4–11 cm (1.6–4.3 in) wide.

Scape and Bracts

Flowers are borne on scapes 7–18 cm (3–7 in) long, which carry three bracts. Each bract is joined at the base to form a tube, then splits into three to five divisions.

Flower Features

The flowers are bell-shaped, with six generally reddish to dark purple oblong sepals. Sepals are hairy on the outer surface and measure 2–3.5 cm (0.8–1.4 in) long. Flowers contain many stamens with yellow anthers.

Fruit Characteristics

Fruits are narrow achenes, 2–5.5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) long, and are densely hairy. Each achene has an incurved beak covered in spreading hairs.

Native Range

Pulsatilla cernua is native to eastern Asia: it is found in Amur Oblast, Khabarovsk Krai, and Primorsky Krai in the Russian Far East; Inner Mongolia and Manchuria in China; Korea; and Japan.

Variety Distributions

The variety Pulsatilla cernua var. cernua does not occur in the Russian Far East, and is only found in Jeju Province, Korea. The variety Pulsatilla cernua var. koreana does not occur in Inner Mongolia or Japan.

Regional Habitats

This species is commonly found in low mountains across Japan, and on grassy slopes in northern China. In Korea, it grows on open, sunny, grassy slopes.

Soil Preferences

Pulsatilla cernua prefers moist, well-drained, sandy loam soil, which explains its occurrence in lower mountain areas and on slopes. It can grow in acidic, neutral, or basic soils, and tolerates even very alkaline conditions.

Sun Requirements

It cannot grow in shaded areas, and requires a location that receives nearly constant full sun.

Traditional Use

Pulsatilla cernua var. koreana, which has the synonym Pulsatilla koreana, is used as a traditional Korean herbal medicine.