The Pasque flower is the South Dakota State Flower. The Pasque flower is a member of the buttercup family and is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, often before the winter snows have thawed. It is also called the May Day flower, prairie crocus, wind flower, Easter flower, and meadow anemone. April and May are good months to look for this flower in this area along the highway right of way.
Its leaves are grayish-green and lacy. Silky hairs cover not only the leaves but also the stems and buds of Pasque flower, giving it a fuzzy look. The petals range from dark violet to white. The wispy seed heads that succeed the flowers are attractive in their own right.
Since the fresh plant is very irritating, only the dried form is used medicinally. First and foremost, it is an herb to calm and soothe the nervous system and benefits an overload of emotional stress. The Pasque flower was once used to dye Easter eggs.