Adonis aestivalis - Annual,Flower,Herbaceous Plants,Medicinal Herbs,Web page Navigation - Summer Pheasant's Eye Page

Discover the enchanting Adonis aestivalis, commonly known as Summer Pheasant's Eye, a captivating gem in the botanical world. Native to the Mediterranean Basin and western Asia, this striking plant flourishes as an annual, showcasing its vibrant presence each summer. Its name, Summer Pheasant's Eye, draws inspiration from the vivid red eye of a pheasant, mirroring its stunning seasonal blooms. Hailing from the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), the plant's mythological ties to Adonis, the beloved of Aphrodite, add a touch of legend—with its fiery-hued flowers symbolizing Adonis's blood.
While it was initially embraced as a horticultural addition in the United States, Summer Pheasant's Eye has since escaped cultivation, establishing itself as an invasive delight in the western regions, particularly adorning pastures and roadsides with its robust, tap-rooted physique. Towering between 8 to 24 inches with feathery and fern-like leaves, it features an array of small, buttercup-like flowers ranging from red, purple, and scarlet to orange and yellow, blooming prominently from May to July. With both male and female organs, it invites bees, flies, and beetles for pollination, ensuring a vibrant, pollinator-friendly garden addition.