Eranthis hyemalis
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Eranthis
Species: hyemalis
Common name: winter aconite
Eranthis hyemalis
I always think that the winter aconite is the first encouraging suggestion that Spring may be on its way. Often popping up through snowy ground it heralds its arrival with early bright green shoots followed by beaming cup shaped sunshine yellow flowers.
Eranthis hyemalis is a wonderful woodland plant. It thrives when planted under deciduous trees benefitting from the gentle winter sun and warmth before the leafy tree canopies open up later in the season to provide it with the partial shade it prefers.
For me, Eranthis hyemalis is at its very best when left to naturalise so that it forms a dense carpet of gold but it can also work well in herbaceous borders where it will provide early interest and colour, dying back and allowing other plants to take its space as the year continues.
Eranthis hyemalis will self sow and some gardeners consider it a bit of a nuisance. If this is the case simply dig it up when the flowers have finished but the foliage is still green and, without letting it dry out, pass it on to friends and family.
Being fully frost hardy makes it ideal for growing in Scotland. It also provides a valuable source of winter nectar for bees.