A rare, purple-colored Pulsatilla vernalis (spring pasqueflower) has been discovered by a team of scientists in the Vyborgsky district of the Leningrad region. This unique find deviates from the typical almost white petals characteristic of the species.

A research group consisting of Anna Doronina, Elizaveta Punina, Olga Stepochkina, and Lyudmila Krupkina, made the discovery during a botanical research expedition. Only a single specimen of the unusually colored flower was found.

Biologist Pavel Glazkov highlighted the discovery on his “Every Creature a Pair” channel. Glazkov emphasized the importance of protecting Pulsatilla vernalis in the wild, as the flowers are a protected species. He also noted that they do not transplant well from their natural habitat.

Scientists are now working to understand the mechanisms that led to the development of such a vibrant purple color in this particular specimen. While Pulsatilla vernalis are cultivated for gardens with specially bred varieties including lilac-blue colors, this natural purple variation is undocumented in scientific literature.