Winter Aconite

(Eranthis hyemalis)

Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis)

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Eranthis hyemalis Native Range
Native Range
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Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 29" - 39"
• High Temp. 69°F - 85°F
• Low Temp. 25°F - 34°F

Summary

Eranthis hyemalis, commonly known as Winter Aconite, is a deciduous perennial herb native to woodland margins, open deciduous forests, and shaded riverbanks in Europe. It typically grows to a height and width of 0.3-0.5 feet, forming a low carpet of foliage. Winter Aconite features cup-shaped, bright yellow flowers that emerge in late winter to early spring, often while snow is still on the ground, making it one of the first plants to bloom in the year. The flowers are highly valued for their early appearance and can provide a cheerful display when little else is flowering.

Winter Aconite is appreciated for its ease of maintenance and its ability to naturalize, spreading to form a vibrant yellow carpet under trees and shrubs. It is commonly used in rock gardens, woodland gardens, borders, and as a ground cover. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. It is relatively pest and disease-free but can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soils. It can spread readily in favorable conditions and should be monitored in small spaces. CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.3-0.5 feet
  • Width: 0.3-0.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

native to woodland margins, open deciduous forests, and shaded riverbanks in Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Winter-Aconite, Winter Hellebore, Almindelig Erantis, Kleiner Winterling, Winterling, Éranthe D’Hiver, Eranthe Dhiver, Winterakoniet, Vintergäck

Scientific Names: Eranthis hyemalis, Eranthis cilicicus, Eranthis tubergenii, Helleborus hyemalis, Eranthis ×tubergenii, Cammarum hyemale, Eranthis bulgarica, Eranthis hyemalis var. bulgarica, Eranthis hyemalis var. cilicica

GBIF Accepted Name: Eranthis hyemalis (L.) Salisb.