Prairie crocus, Sandilands Provincial Forest, Manitoba, Canada

© Jaynes Gallery/Danita Delimon

Info. Prairie crocus, Sandilands Provincial Forest, Manitoba, Canada

This flowering plant can be found across North America and has a few different names, including prairie crocus and pasqueflower. Our image shows the purple spring flower in the Canadian province of Manitoba, where it has been the official flower since 1906. It is classified as an anemone and has sepals instead of petals. The furry, white coating of hair protects the flower from windy and snowy weather. It usually opens in sunshine during the day and closes at night and under grey skies. It belongs to the buttercup family and prefers a dry habitat with open woods.