Syn.: Adonanthe vernalis (L.) Spach, Chrysocyathus vernalis (L.) Holub
Family: Ranunculaceae Juss.
Distribution: Pannonic area of Central Europe, Eastern Europe and West Siberia.
Habitat: Grows on sunny slopes and bushy ravines on limestone soils.
Description: A perennial herb, 10–40 cm high, with an erect stem. The leaves are sessile, finely divided, flowers solitary to 8 cm in diameter, of 10–20 elongated yellow petals. Flowers from April to May. The fruit is an achene.
Endangering and Protection: Adonis vernalis is a strictly protected plant in some countries (CZ, SK).
Note: This plant is poisonous, in ancient times was used to treat venereal diseases and heart disorders. Cultivated in the gardens for ornament.
Photos: from 5. 4. to 10. 5. 2003 and 12. 4. 2004 (the Czech Republic, Čejkovické Špidláky, Děvín, Pouzdřanská step).
Distribution of species in the Czech Republic:
