Winter aconite

Eranthis hyemalis

Family: Ranunculaceae

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

Bark, Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Sap/Juice, Seeds, Stems

Preparation

Not applicable; this is an ornamental plant.

Hazard type

Highly toxic and may be fatal if eaten. NC State lists stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, disturbed vision, shortness of breath, an irregular pulse, coma and possible cardiac arrest. The toxic principle named is cardiac glycosides of the bufadienolide group.

Hazard route

ingestion; NC State says it is not a dermatitis hazard

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

The pet verdict rests on NC State's pet tags alone. NC State severity HIGH, tagged problem for cats, dogs, horses, children, humans.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Monkshood (Aconitum). To tell them apart: Winter aconite (Eranthis) is a different genus from monkshood (Aconitum), but both are called aconite.. Both are poisonous.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 3a-7b (NC State Extension).
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) / Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 3 to 6 inches tall and about 3 to 6 inches wide (NC State Extension).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon