As the winter chill begins to thaw and the first signs of spring emerge, one of spring's ephemeral flowers makes its debut: the lesser celandine (Ficaria verna previously Ranunculus ficaria L.). Often heralded as a harbinger of spring, this petite yet vibrant plant holds a unfavorable place in the hearts of nature enthusiasts and gardeners alike.
Botanical Characteristics:
Belonging to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), lesser celandine is a low-growing perennial herb native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. It typically blooms from March to May, carpeting woodland floors, meadows, and riverbanks with a burst of golden-yellow blossoms. Each flower consists of eight to twelve glossy petals surrounding a bright yellow center, creating a striking contrast against the lush green foliage.
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| Lesser Celandine, a.k.a. Fig buttercup (Photo: David Nicholls, NatureSpot.org National Biodiversity Network Trust [NBN Trust], UK) |
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Map of Lesser Celandine’s invasive range in the United States and Canada |
Ecological Impacts:
Despite its delicate appearance, lesser celandine plays a crucial role in undermining biodiversity. In its introduced range, it arrives very early in the spring, this gives the invasive plant an advantage over native ephemerals such as mayapple or Dutchman’s breeches that are still mostly dormant in those temperatures. It spreads out over the ground, creating a thick carpet, making it virtually impossible for native understory plants to grow and survive. Native wildflowers and pollinators are particularly negatively impacted by this invasive specieshroughout history, lesser celandine has been intertwined with various cultural beliefs and folklore.
Cultural and Folklore Significance
In ancient Greece, it was associated with the god of love, Eros, and was believed to have the power to attract affection. In Celtic mythology, it was considered a symbol of regeneration and renewal, often appearing in springtime celebrations. In Christian tradition, the lesser celandine is sometimes known as “pilewort” due to its traditional use in treating piles or hemorrhoids. Legend has it that the plant’s knobby tubers, resembling piles, were thought to possess healing properties.
Garden Cultivation and Management:
Gardeners should avoid incorporating lesser celandine into their landscapes, because of its vigorous growth habit. Controlling lesser celandine can be challenging due to its ability to spread rapidly. Here are some methods to control it:
- Hand-pulling: Remove lesser celandine by hand, making sure to remove the entire plant including the tubers. This is most effective when the soil is moist, making it easier to pull out the roots.
- Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch, such as wood chips or straw, to smother lesser celandine and prevent it from receiving sunlight.
- Herbicides: Selective herbicides containing glyphosate or triclopyr can be effective in controlling lesser celandine. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using herbicides.
- Repeat treatments: Since lesser celandine can regrow from small root fragments, it may be necessary to repeat treatments multiple times to completely eradicate it.
- Plant competition: Planting competitive native species in the area can help suppress the growth of lesser Celandine.
Remember to combine methods for the most effective control of lesser celandine, and be persistent in your efforts to prevent its spread.
Despite its allure, it’s important to exercise caution and not introduce lesser celandine to a garden setting. In New Jersey, where it is not native, the plant can become invasive, outcompeting native species and disrupting delicate ecosystems. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider alternative native plants that offer similar benefits without posing a threat to the environment.
Additional Information
