Care Disclaimer: Plant care recommendations are general guidelines based on common growing conditions. Individual results may vary based on your local environment, climate, and care routine. If your plant is toxic, keep it away from children and pets, and consult a veterinarian if accidental ingestion occurs.
1.Adonis Annua — Overview
Adonis annua, commonly known as Pheasant's-eye, Autumn Adonis, or Blooddrops, is a captivating annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, which also includes buttercups. This species typically reaches a height of 10 to 50 centimeters, characterized by its delicate, finely dissected, fern-like leaves that are bright green and arranged alternately along the stem.
The plant's most striking feature is its vibrant flowers, often a brilliant scarlet red, though occasionally orange or yellow, frequently displaying a dark purplish-black spot at the base of each of its five to eight petals. These solitary, cup-shaped blossoms typically appear from late spring through summer, usually between May and July, adding a splash of intense color to its surroundings.
Native to a broad geographical range encompassing North Africa, Western Asia, the Mediterranean basin, and parts of Europe, Adonis annua thrives in open, sunny locations with well-drained, often calcareous or chalky soils. It is frequently found growing as a weed in cultivated fields, disturbed ground, rocky areas, and along roadsides, indicating its adaptability to various soil types as long as they are not waterlogged. Despite its weed-like tendencies in some agricultural settings, its ornamental appeal has led to its cultivation in gardens, where its vivid flowers provide aesthetic value.
The plant's lifecycle is annual, completing its growth, flowering, and seed production within a single season. Its taxonomic classification places it within the genus Adonis, distinguishing it from perennial species like Adonis vernalis, which share some phytochemical properties but differ significantly in growth habit and specific traditional uses.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Adonis Annua:
Adonis Annua should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Adonis Annua — Key Features
- Ornamental Annual — Cultivated for its aesthetic value in gardens rather than medicinal properties.
- Vivid Scarlet Flowers — Features distinctive cup-shaped red flowers, often with dark centers.
- Finely Dissected Foliage — Characterized by delicate, fern-like, bright green leaves.
- Ranunculaceae Family Member — Belongs to the buttercup family, sharing some traits with other toxic species.
- High Toxicity — Contains potent cardiac glycosides, making all parts poisonous if ingested.
- Native to Mediterranean Regions — Naturally distributed across Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.
- Prefers Calcareous Soils — Thrives in well-drained, often chalky or alkaline soil conditions.
- Self — Seeding Capability — Can readily re-establish itself in subsequent seasons from dropped seeds.
- Common Names — Also known as Pheasant's-eye, Autumn Adonis, and Blooddrops.
- Endangered in Some Regions — Listed as a priority species in the UK due to habitat loss.
1.2.Adonis Annua — Quick Summary
- Adonis annua is an annual herbaceous plant known for its striking scarlet flowers.
- It belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and is native to the Mediterranean, Europe, and Western Asia.
- The plant is highly poisonous due to the presence of potent cardiac glycosides like adonitoxin.
- Primarily valued for its ornamental appeal in gardens; no safe medicinal uses are recognized.
- Ingestion can lead to severe cardiac, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms, often fatal.
- Requires well-drained soil and full sun for cultivation, but extreme caution is advised due to toxicity.
2.Adonis Annua — Scientific Identity
3.Adonis Annua — Categories & Tags
4.Adonis Annua — Appearance & Identification
5.Adonis Annua — Water Requirements
- Site Selection — Choose a location with full sun to partial shade, ensuring good air circulation.
- Soil Requirements — Prefers well-drained, fertile, and often calcareous (alkaline to neutral) soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
- Sowing Seeds — Sow seeds directly into the garden bed in early spring after the last frost or in late autumn for spring germination.
- Watering Regimen — Maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Fertilization — Generally not a heavy feeder; a light application of balanced organic fertilizer in spring can promote robust growth.
- Spacing — Plant seeds or thin seedlings to about 15-20 cm apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation.
- Pest and Disease Management — Adonis annua is relatively resistant to most pests and diseases, but monitor for common garden issues and address them organically if they arise.
- Self-seeding — The plant readily self-seeds, ensuring new growth in subsequent seasons if conditions are favorable.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
Adonis Annua — Comments & Community Reviews
Rate this plant
No reviews yet. Be the first!