A winter-ending aconite can lighten the days

MILFORD — If spring cannot come early enough for you, consider planting winter aconite (Eranthis). Eranthis means “spring flower.” It is one of the earliest plants to bloom, often starting its show in late winter. In fact, the colder the winter is, the better the display of blooms. Bright yellow flowers lift the spirits and foreshadow the sunny days ahead. There are eight species of winter aconite. They are members of the butter cup family (Ranunculaceae) and are native to the moist woodlands of Europe and Asia Minor. The most commonly used winter aconite around here is Eranthis hyemalis. These tuberous perennials grow only three to six inches tall and wide. Each six petal yellow flower is framed by a collar of bright green bracts so that it resembles a tiny court jester. The flowers open only when the sun is shining and close when the sky is dark. After the blooms fade, the dark green leaves appear. Each leaf is narrow and divided into several finger-shaped lobes. During the summer, the plant goes dormant and the foliage completely dies back. Winter aconite is a good plant to cover a sloping landscape since in reproduces easily by self-seeding and spreads rapidly. In the right conditions, it’s almost invasive. You can also buy the small pea-sized tubers in late summer or early fall, soak them in lukewarm water for 24 hours, and plant them two to three inches deep and three inches apart. Another way to propagate winter aconite is by dividing the plant clumps after the flowers fade, but before the leaves die back. However, these plants really prefer not to be moved once they are established. Besides covering a sloping yard, winter aconite is pretty under deciduous trees and bushes, along pathways, and in rock gardens. It is an easy to care for perennial in hardiness zones four through seven and it has few problems with pests and diseases. Deer and rabbits avoid it. All that it asks for is some well-drained, humus rich soil located in full sun or partial shade. It seems like a perfect plant. Yet, the cheerful winter aconite has its dark side. Every inch of it is poisonous. That’s why the deer and rabbits aren’t bothering it. The leaves, flowers, stems, and tubers are all poisonous. Eating any of these can cause nausea, vomiting, colic attacks, and visual disturbances. Don’t plant winter aconite where kids or pets may try to eat them. With only that caution, winter aconite is a wonderful addition to snow drops, hellebores, and other winter-ending flowers. Penn State Master Gardeners provide garden assistance to the general public and gardening questions can be answered from voice mail or e-mail from October through March. E-mail them at Monroemg@psu.edu or call 570-421-6430 and request to leave a voice-mail message. Please include your full name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address, along with a detailed message. More information can be found at: www.hort.wisc.ed, www.plantingflowerbulbs.com, garden.lovetoknow.com .