1 / 5

Key characteristics

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

Groundcovers

Eranthis hyemalis

Winter Aconite

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.

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Water

Moist, well-draining soil

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)