Pulsatilla vulgaris

This is an enchanting plant with dissected, feathery foliage. Each leaf is a delicate light-green and the big, conical flowers are surrounded by shining hairy leaves so the whole plant has a shimmery, silvery effect, particularly when seen in slanting light. The flowers are purple, yellow-centred. They appear fragile and beautiful. After the flowers are over there are silvered seed heads composed of silken strands. The plant should not be moved once it is established. Richard Mabey, writing in Flora Britannica, speaks of an English legend that associates the appearance of the plant with Danish or Roman blood. This myth arose because it is sometimes found growing wild in the eastern England on ancient earthworks or barrows, reputedly of Danish origin.