Eranthis hyemalis - Winter aconite

Eranthis hyemalis, known as winter aconite, belongs to the family of Ranunculaceae. This plant is one of the first flowering types of the year and a symbol of early spring. Your radiant yellow flowers are an important nectar and pollen dispenser for early active insects. The botanical name is derived from Greek: Eranthis means "early bloom" and hyemalis "wintry". The species is native to the Mediterranean, especially in Southeast Europe, but is frequently cultivated in many regions of Europe as an ornamental plant.

Morphological characteristics

Eranthis hyemalis is a persistent, herbaceous plant that grows out of an underground tuber. The bulb stores nutrients and enables the plant to drive out very early in the year. The winter aconite reaches a height of 5 to 15 centimeters.

The leaves are divided and finger -shaped, with a slightly wavy edge. Characteristic is a greenish, collar -shaped rubble cup that surrounds the flower base. This collar is a striking peculiarity that distinguishes the winter aconite from other early bloomers.

The flowers appear individually and have a diameter of 2 to 4 centimeters. They consist of 5 to 8 intensely yellow petals, which surround the inner nectar leaves and stamens. The petals are slightly tilted upwards and only open when the sun is shining. At night or in bad weather, they close to protect the sensitive reproductive organs.

The fruit is a Balg fruit that contains several small seeds. These are distributed by gravity or ants (myrmecocheory). After the seed formation, the plant withdraws into its tuber to rest until next spring.

Ecological claims and distribution

Eranthis hyemalis prefers humus -rich, calcareous soils in partially shaded to sunny locations. The plant thrives particularly well under deciduous trees, since the early deciduous drift optimally supplies them with light before the trees unfold their leaves. Moisture in spring is important, while the tuber needs dry conditions during the rest phase in summer.

The natural spread of Eranthis hyemalis includes Southeast Europe, especially Italy and the Balkans. As a popular ornamental plant, it was naturalized in many parts of Europe and often overgrown in natural gardens, parks and light forests.

Ecological and gardening meaning

The winter aconite plays an important role in the ecosystem because it provides nectar and pollen for early flying insects such as wild bees and bumblebees. This early food aid is essential for many types of insect, which are already active in mild temperatures. Eranthis hyemalis is estimated in gardens and parks as a spring messenger. It is often used in natural plantings, where it spreads through self -sowing. winter aconite are often planted together with snowdrops (Galanthus) and crocuses to create a colorful picture in late winter.

Care and increase

The plant is easy to care for, but requires a well -permeable soil and regular moisture in spring. Belts are planted in autumn, with a layer of mulch protecting the floor from drying out. The propagation is either sowing or dividing the tubers. The seeds need a cold stamping to break the germ rest.