Prairie crocus

 (Anemone patens) Blue to purple flowered perennial, 10-30 cm (4-12") tall, blooms mid-April to June.  Grows on sandy loam soils in full sun to very light shade.  Slow to establish, taking up to 7 years to bloom.  Floral emblem of Manitoba.  Soak seeds in water over night prior to planting. Pick up seed by tail and gently  push the part containing the seed into the soil and leave the "tail" sticking out of the soil.  Keep moist and germination should occur in a few weeks.  If the tails of the crocus seed spin when watered it is a sign that the seeds are germinating and the seedlings will be up soon.