Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Eranthis hyemalis
Winter Aconite
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Height
- 3 to 6 inches
- Width
- 3 to 6 inches
- Flower color
- Bright yellow
- Foliage color
- Dark green
- Bloom time
- Late winter to early spring
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Water
- Moist, well-draining soil
- Maintenance
- Low; occasional watering once established
- Growing zone
- 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts pollinators such as bees
About this plant
Eranthis hyemalis, commonly known as Winter Aconite, is a cheerful perennial plant in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, typically reaching a height and spread of 3-6 inches. Emerging in late winter to early spring, it bears bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers atop sturdy stems, often appearing before its glossy, dark green, lobed leaves fully develop into a basal rosette. Preferring partial shade to full sun and thriving in moist, well-draining soil, Winter Aconite is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering once established. An early bloomer, it adds charming color to the garden when few other plants are flowering and is suitable for growing zones 4-8, attracting pollinators such as bees.
Works well in
Woodland Gardens · Under Trees · Rock Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Snowdrops · Lenten roses · Primroses · Wild ginger · Brunneras · Japanese forest grass
Design tip
Plant generous drifts where they will be easily seen from windows or frequently used walkways during late winter. Repeating clusters beneath deciduous trees creates cheerful ribbons of color that brighten the landscape well before the main spring display begins.
