The same day that I first heard the raucous clacking of wood frogs coming from the pond, my Winter Aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) were beginning to bloom. Just hours before meteorological spring was about to begin.

These small screaming yellow beauties were a gift from a dear friend years ago. Since then they have won my heart. Blooming in what seems an effort to bring a bit of jubilation in winter.

My first introduction to Winter Aconite was on a walk through the State Arboretum of Virginia at Blandy eleven years ago. Though it was early March, there glowing at the foot of a beautiful rock wall was a swath of cadmium yellow flowers. Flowers that shouldn’t be there so early in the year. In the dead of winter.

A short time later my friend shared some of the tubers from her garden to spread the joy of friendship and bright colors.

Winter Aconite cover can be expanded by dividing the tubers, or by spreading its seeds.

Not native to this continent, but native to Europe (France to Bulgaria). In my gardens I try very hard to add only natives for fear of adding an invasive plant that will soon get out of hand. I must say though these little plants have behaved just as I would wish.

A spot of glee in an otherwise subdued black and white, pen and ink landscape.