Semiaquilegia adoxoides aka Byeonsan Winter Aconites

Semiaquilegia adoxoides, known as Tian Kui, is a small perennial. It belongs to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Its native range runs from China to western-central and southern Japan. Plants For A Future also lists Korea in its range. It grows in temperate parts of Asia. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Older names include Aquilegia adoxoides and Paraquilegia adoxoides.

This plant reaches about 1 foot (0.3 metres) tall. Its small size suits the edge of a woodland garden. Plants For A Future also places it in dappled shade. In Japan, it grows in central and southern mountain regions. Chinese habitats include damp, shaded waste ground. It also grows in forests and beside roads. Recorded sites lie at 328–3,609 feet (100–1,100 metres) above sea level. These records show it can occupy both woodland and disturbed ground.

Flowers appear in May, according to Plants For A Future. Each flower has both male and female organs. The supplied species evidence gives no flower colour or fruit details. It also gives no clear account of leaves or stems. In gardens, the plant accepts sun or light shade. Plants For A Future favours a sunny site for cultivation. It lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9. Its separate British hardiness entry says zone 6, without an RHS H rating.

Use moist soil, but avoid ground that stays wet. Ordinary garden soil can support it. Sandy and loamy soils are suitable choices. The source's broad soil list includes clay. Its more specific growing notes warn against heavy clay. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. Plants For A Future reports that it can hinder nearby plants. That warning singles out legumes as sensitive neighbours. The evidence names no pests or diseases for this species.

Fresh seed can go into a cold frame once ripe. Stored seed can go into a cold frame in late winter. Germination may take time. Move seedlings into separate pots when large enough to handle. Keep them in a greenhouse through their first winter. Plant outside in late spring or early summer after frost risk. Spring division offers another way to raise plants. No edible use is recorded. The roots and tubers have reported traditional medicinal uses. These include skin and urinary complaints, fever, and promoting urine flow. The source lists no known hazards; this does not establish safety.