Winter Aconite
Eranthis hyemalis
- Native to:
- Albania, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, NW. Balkan Pen.
Dominicus Johannes Bergsma
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus:
- Eranthis
- Species:
- Eranthis hyemalis
- USDA Symbol:
- ERHY4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 15 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- feb,mar,apr
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers humus-rich soil in deciduous woodlands
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–180 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification and are best sown fresh in autumn. Germination can be erratic and may take multiple seasons.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Sow @ 20°C for 3 months, then place @ 4°C for 3 months. * germination unlikely after dry storage > 6 months; best stored in moist towels at either 4°C or 20°C; grow seedlings at cool temperature