Winter Aconite

Eranthis

A genus of 8 species of herbaceous tuberous perennials that are part of the larger Ranunculaceae family. They are mostly native to deciduous hardwood forests where they thrive in the spring sunshine and go dormant during summer when the canopy closes in and soil moisture declines. They make a great groundcover for the woodland or rock garden. In mild climates, these plants will often emerge during mid winter and the frost tolerant foliage will tolerate snow cover. The peltate leaves are up to 3 inches across.
They can be propagated from seed immediately sown fresh on permanent site as the seed typically stores very poorly. They can also be propagated from lifting the tubers during early summer as the plants are going dorment. They are then divided into separate sections then immediately replanted at the same depth.
Pharmacology: they are poisonous and should never be eaten.
Recommended external weblinks: http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/Eranthis
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/plants/plant-portraits/Eranthis/42/

Eranthis cilicica
A perennial, reaching up to 6 x 6 inches, that is native to southern Europe.
The mid-green foliage dies down during late spring or summer.
The yellow, buttercup-likeflowers, up to 2 inches across, are borne during early spring.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on moist, humus-rich, well drained soil. Propagation is from division or seed.

Eranthis hyemalis
A tuberous perennial, reaching up to 8 x 8 inches, that is native to southern Europe though is also naturalized widely in northern Europe and in North America.
It may self seed and spread fast with ideal conditions.
The bright green foliage dies down during summer.
The large, pale yellow, buttercup-like flowers, up to 2 inches across, are borne during late winter into early spring.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on moist, humus-rich, well drained soil. Propagation is from division or seed. The tubers are planted 3 inches deep and apart after soaking overnight.

* photos taken on March 10 2012 in Columbia, MD





* photos taken on Apr 1 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Mar 21 2015 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Mar 18 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photos taken on Feb 21 2017 in Columbia

* photo taken on Feb 24 2020 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Apr 6 2021 in Columbia, MD

* historical archive photos

Eranthis x tubergenii
A vigorous tuberous perennial, reaching up to 8 x 6 inches, that is the hybrid between Eranthis cilicica x E. hyemalis. The mid-green foliage dies down during summer.
The pale yellow buttercup-like flowers, up to 2.4 inches across, are borne during early spring.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on moist, humus-rich, well drained soil. Propagation is from division or seed.