Winter aconite

Eranthis hyemalis

Low buttercup-yellow flower with a green leafy ruff, opening with the snowdrops in the depths of winter. Carpet-forming under deciduous trees.

Hardiness ratings

Winter aconite hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 4–8 −34.4 °C to −6.7 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 4–8 −29 °C to −1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–5 −15 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Flowers in January and February alongside snowdrops — early bee forage on warm days
  • Forms golden carpets under deciduous trees once established
  • Slow to establish from dry tubers — buy and plant “in the green” for reliable results

Pet caution: Winter aconite is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Winter aconite against your zones

Reference

Winter aconite on Wikipedia