ADONIS, a genus of plants of the crowfoot family (Ranuncu laceae, q.v.) known as pheasant's eye and Flos Adonis. There are about 20 species, natives of Europe and Asia. They are erect herbs with much divided leaves and yellow or red flowers. Three species, A. vernalis, A. aestivalis and A. autumnalis, are commonly cultivated. A. autumnalis is naturalized in England. The name is also given to the Mazarine butterfly (Polyommatus adonis).