South Dakota State Flower

Pasque Flower

(Pulsatilla hirsutissima)

The Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla hirsutissima), South Dakota's official state flower, is a remarkable and hardy perennial wildflower native to the northern regions of North America. Also known as the Prairie Crocus, it is celebrated for its early spring blooms that emerge through the lingering snow, signaling the arrival of warmer days in the Great Plains. This low-growing plant bears delicate, violet-purple petals and a fluffy, silver-white center that resembles an elegant powder puff. Its endurance in harsh weather conditions mirrors the resilient spirit of South Dakota's inhabitants, making it a fitting emblem of the state's natural beauty and tenacity.