In northern Alberta, everyone is familiar with the prairie crocus, or pasque-flower. Even before the trees leaf out, these little pale purple flowers bloom to announce the arrival of spring. I found this cluster of crocuses in my back yard and they were just crying out to be painted. When the sun shines, they open up to reveal their glorious beauty. When the clouds come out or night falls, they close up, so the best time to see them is in the sunlight. First Nations tribes used this plant as a poultice for rheumatism or muscular pains. It was also used to stop nosebleeds and draw out infection in cuts and boils.