PLUME ANEMONE 
Pulsatilla occidentalis (Watson) Freyn 
Those whose fancy has led them in spring or summer to the higher 
patts of the Canadian Rocky Mountains have been thrilled with the 
loveliness of this beautiful anemone as it springs up at the edges of 
retreating snow banks on the alpine slopes and valleys. The flowers 
begin to open when the stems are only an inch high and still nestle 
ina mass of gtayish-green furry buds and half unfolded leaves. Within 
a few days the stems lengthen, and each bears a large, creamy flower 
with golden and green center, the blossoms contrasting with the back- 
ground of pale green foliage. As they fade the flowets ate sometimes 
tinged with blue. 
The plume anemone belongs to the Crowfoot Family. It ranges 
from California and Montana northward to Alberta and Alaska. 
The specimen sketched grew neat Lake O'Hara, fifteen miles by 
trail from Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, at an altitude of 4,000 feet. 
PLATE 163 
