February 2018: Winter aconite [Eranthis hyemalis] (Winterling): I took this picture on January 28th. It's not surprising that the first flowers show up so early this year after such a mild January! You can perfectly see how the upper leaves protect the flower that didn't open yet. The basal leaves appear after the blooming period only and yellow in late spring. You won't see the plant for the rest of the year. The plant belongs to the crowfoot family (Ranunculus), Eranthis genus. The English and the German name imply "winter", whereas the Greek name means "spring flower". There are about 9 different species. Their geographic range runs from northern Itlay eastward over Turkey - Iran - the Hindu Kush region - Russia - Korea to Japan. In all other regions it is not native. It is cultivated in my region since the 16th century. The flowers open only in sunny conditions and then provide the first pollen and nectar. The whole plant is poisonous. Many pictures of other Eranthis species: http://www.plantarium.ru/page/search.html?sample=eranthis