Description
Eranthis – Winter Aconite –
There are about 7 species of small clump forming perennials with knobby tubers, in this genus. They occur in damp woodland and shady place in Eurasia. They are grown for their butter cup shaped flowers, borne in late winter and early spring. Stem leaves, to ½” or more long, often finely dissected, form ruffs immediately below the flowers, basal leaves ½-1 1/4″ or long, are palmately lobed or pinnate. Most species are best grown around deciduous tree, where they will form carpets of flowers and may naturalize in grass. Best grown in woodland garden.
All parts may cause mild stomach upset if ingested, contact with sap may irritate skin.
Grow in alkaline, fertile, humus rich soil that does not dry out in summer, in full sun or light, dapple shade. Plant tuber 2″ deep in autumn. Divide establish clumps in fall.
Prone to smuts and slugs.
E. cilicica – This clump forming, tuberous perennial from the Middle East grows 2-3″ tall. It bears bright yellow flowers, 3/4-1 ½” across, held above ruffs of finely dissected, glossy, bronze tinged, mid green leaves in early spring. Similar to E. hymalis but with more numerous leaf lobes and slightly larger flowers.
Zones 4-9
