Lesser Celandine
Ficaria verna
Click or tap the section titles below to learn more about this species!
CLASSIFICATION: What’s in a name?
Scientific Name: The genus name Ficaria comes from a medieval plant name most likely figs (Ficus) in reference to the tubers that somewhat resemble figs. The species name, verna, derived from the latin ver meaning spring when it blooms!1
Common Name: This plant is known as the lesser celandine. Lesser celandine is to distinguish it from the greater celandine (Chelidonium majus), another yellow-flowered plant that blooms in the spring in the poppy family (Papaveraceae). Celandine itself is derived from the Greek word chelīdṓn meaning swallow since both plants bloom in the spring when the swallows return.2 It’s also known as fig buttercup in reference to its fig-like tubers and buttercup-like flower.
Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family) Why do you think scientists place it in this family? What similarities do you notice with buttercups or anemones? Plants in the Buttercup Family are perennials, usually a low herb, vine, or small shrub in our region. Leaves usually alternate, plants can have 4 to many tepals (petal-like structures), numerous stamens, and fruits an aggregate of achenes (dry usually 1-seeded capsule that take a long time to split).3
IDENTIFICATION: What does it look like?
Average Height: up to 9” when in flower
Description: A perennial plant that grows in colonies, spreading through bulblets and tubers. It bears shiny dark green, kidney to heart shaped leaves that vary greatly in size. Flowers develop on stalks above the mat of leaves and are bright yellow, up to 3 inches across, with eight petals.4
Bloom time: Mar – May
Notes: Lesser celandine can be confused with its fellow buttercup family member marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) since both grow in moist habitats and have yellow flowers that bloom in the spring. The two can be distinguished by the smaller stature, mat-forming nature, and eight narrow tepals of the lesser celandine while the marsh marigold is much larger (up to 18 inches tall), its flowers have five rounder and much larger tepals, and does not produce tubers or bulblets.6
LOCATION: Where is it at home?
Range: Originally found in Europe and Western Asia, the lesser celandine was introduced to eastern North America and the Pacific Northwest for ornamental purposes and has since become established in 19 states and is considered highly invasive.1 In Virginia, it is locally common along the Potomac and James River watersheds but recent reports indicate this species is spreading rapidly in Virginia.5
Geology/Soil: Typically found in rich moist soils commonly weathered from mafic and calcareous rocks; also found growing in nutrient-rich alluvium.5
Habitat: Found in floodplain forests, rich upland forests, and disturbed urban forests in full sun to light shade but can tolerate drier and shader conditions.5
CONNECTIONS: What are its relationships to other plants, animals, and humans?
Flora associations: This shade tolerant invasive grows aggressively in rich moist habitat and often competes with and crowds out native spring-blooming wildflowers such as wild ginger (Asarum canadense), bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) spring beauty (Claytonia virginica var. virginica), and cut-leaf toothwort (Cardamine concatenata).7 Given time, lesser celandine can cover acres of forest where no other herbaceous plants can grow except for other non-native plants.
Fauna associations: Little is known of the faunal relations of this plant though it is thought to be similar to other moisture-loving buttercups with its early spring flowers pollinated primarily by small bees, flies, and beetles. All plant parts are toxic as they contain a chemical agent that irritates the digestive tract.8
Human associations: Lesser celandine was originally introduced through the horticultural trade with the earliest record from 1867 from Philadelphia County, PA. Despite its invasive nature, this plant is still widely available in nurseries. By drying or heating, young leaves can be rendered edible and have historically been used as a treatment for hemorrhoids and scurvy.9
We want these plants to thrive and for everyone who gets to visit the park to enjoy them, so remember – don’t pick flowers or other parts of the plant!!
Bibliography & Definitions
1 “Ficaria Verna – Plant Finder.” Www.missouribotanicalgarden.org , www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=368056.
2 “Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words.” Dictionary.com, www.dictionary.com/browse/celandine. Accessed 4 Mar. 2024.
3 Judd, W.S, Campbell, C.S, Kellogg, E.A, Stevens, P.F, & Donoghue, M.J, (2016). Plant Systematics: A Phylogenetic Approach. (4th ed.) Sinauer Associates Inc.
4 “Lesser Celandine, Fig Buttercup, Ficaria Verna Ranunculales: Ranunculaceae.” Www.invasive.org, 2018, www.invasive.org/browse/subinfo.cfm?sub=3069.
5 Weakley, A.S., J.C. Ludwig, J.F. Townsend, and G.P. Fleming. 2020. Flora of Virginia. With significant additions and updates. Bland Crowder, ed. Mobile app. Foundation of the Flora of Virginia Project Inc., Richmond, and High Country Apps, Bozeman, Montana.
6 Swearingen, Jil. “PCA Alien Plant Working Group – Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus Ficaria).” Www.invasive.org, www.invasive.org/alien/fact/rafi1.htm. Accessed 5 Mar. 2024.
7 “Lesser Celandine | University of Maryland Extension.” Extension.umd.edu, 31 Mar. 2023, extension.umd.edu/resource/lesser-celandine/. Accessed 5 Mar. 2024.
8 “Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus Ficaria).” Www.illinoiswildflowers.info, https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/ls_celandine.html.
9 Aulakh, Jatinder. Lesser Celandine (Ficaria Verna Huds.) Identification and Management. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.