Winter Aconite
Winter aconite (Eranthis
hyemalis) is one of the earliest bulbs to bloom in spring. This plant in the
buttercup
family (Ranunculaceae), native to Asia Minor and Europe,
has small flowers that resemble tiny buttercups. The solitary, yellow cup-shaped flowers are surrounded
by bright green bracts that look like a collar around the blossom. There are six
petals in each flower and numerous stamens and pistils in the center. This small
tuberous perennial is hardy in zones 4-7 (probably in zone 3 if mulched in the
winter).
The low-growing plants form
rounded clumps about (3-6“) tall and wide. The dark green leaves
appear after the flowers fade. Each narrow leaf is divided into several
finger-shaped lobes. In summer the plant goes dormant, with the foliage dying
back completely.
If you have small children or
pets that are likely to dig in the garden you may not want winter aconite in
your yard as the entire plant, but especially the tuber, is quite poisonous and
may cause nausea, vomiting, colic attacks and visual disturbances.
This ground-hugging plant works
well in rock gardens, flower beds and woodland gardens. The flowers first appear in the
sunniest spots, just before the first snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) begin to bloom. They
can look charming together planted in the border or naturalized in the lawn.
Winter aconite is good for naturalizing under trees and large shrubs. They
combine nicely with hellebores and echo the flower color of Forsythia and
witch hazel (Hamamelis). Because of their small size, they are best
planted in groups.
Plant purchased “bulbs” in the
fall. If the tubers are shriveled, place them in moist sand or peat moss for a
few days to rehydrate. Place about 1-3” apart and 2-3” deep (shallower in
heavier soils). The plants prefer humus-rich, well-drained but not dry soil.
Plants from bulbs tend to be slow to establish large colonies.
When growing in conditions it
likes, winter aconite reproduces easily and spreads readily to form large
colonies – almost to the point of being invasive. Lift clumps while still green
to keep under control, if desired, or when overcrowded. To propagate, divide the
clumps after flowering or collect seeds to sow in the fall.
– Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin
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