Lesser Celandine

Common Name: Lesser celandine
Scientific Name: Ficaria verna
Origin: Eurasia

Description

Lesser celandine is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial that has the ability to form extensive mats across the ground. It can be identified by its dark and shiny green, kidney-shaped leaves. The margin of the leaves are slightly toothed. The flowers are bright yellow, glossy and contain 8-12 petals. Under the soil, many finger-like tubers are produced on the root.

Habitat

Lesser celandine prefers moist sandy soils, but is found in many other locations including low open woods, meadows, roadsides and disturbed sites.

Threat

Lesser celandine emerges earlier than other native species, impacting species diversity. Lesser celandine is a particular threat to native spring ephemerals and on the native pollinators that rely on spring ephemerals for nectar and pollen.

Management

Control of lesser celandine may be difficult due to its persistence and underground tubers which can become unearthed and dispersed by animals, humans and flood events. Small infestations may be pulled by hand, but it is important to remove the entire plant including all bulbets and tubers. Herbicide treatments are more successful. Approved herbicides should be applied in early spring, which will minimize the impacts to native wildflowers.

Regional Distribution

Common

WNY PRISM Priority

Tier 4 – Local Control

Invasive Species Priorities – Tier Chart

Pathways

Lesser celandine was most likely introduced as an ornamental plant. Lesser celandine is spread through seeds and aerial bulbils.

Native Alternatives

Canadian anemone (Anemone canadensis)

Wild ginger (Asarum canadense)

Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)