Eranthis, also known as Winter Aconite, is a low growing, hardy perennial member of the Buttercup family. The blossoms appear as early as Snowdrops. It probably originated in the Middle East, but was known in the US by the late 18th century. Bernard M'Mahon offered it in 1806, but it was still considered very rare. The plant became much more popular in the US than in Britain because the mild british Decembers often caused the plant to prematurely bud and die. They are great naturalizers, force well and are deer proof. They prefer rich moist humus soil in partial shade. Plant 4" deep and 4" apart.