Eranthis hyemalis

Eranthis hyemalis is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, native to woodland habitats in Europe. It is a tuberous rooted herbaceous perennial growing to 15 cm (6 in), with large (2–3 cm (1–1 in)), yellow, cup-shaped flowers held above a collar of 3 leaf-like bracts, appearing in late winter and early spring. The six sepals are bright yellow and petaloid and the petals are in the form of tubular nectaries. There are numerous stamens and usually six unfused carpels. The fruit are follicles each containing several seeds. It is commonly known as winter aconite, and is valued in cultivation as one of the earliest of all flowers to appear. E. hyemalis and the sterile hybrid cultivar 'Guinea Gold' have both gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.