Lesser Celandine

Lesser Celandine

Lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria: a wild flower with heart-shaped leaves on long stalks. The yellow flowers which are similar to buttercups bloom from March to May and each flower-head has eight to twelve sepals. It is very common in damp, shady places. It is a medicinal herb primarily used externally as an ointment.

With permission of Paula O'Regan

Lesser Celandine
With permission of Paula O'Regan

Lesser Celandine

Lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria: a wild flower with heart-shaped leaves on long stalks. The yellow flowers which are similar to buttercups bloom from March to May and each flower-head has eight to twelve sepals. It is very common in damp, shady places. It is a medicinal herb primarily used externally as an ointment.

With permission of Paula O'Regan

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Latin: Ranunculus ficaria

Flower: Single waxy yellow flower, 1-1 1/2" wide, bilaterally symmetrical; sepals 3 to 4, dropping off soon after flower opens; petals 8 to 10, yellow, often fading to whitish; stamens and pistils many.
 

Leaves: Simple, heart-shaped, glossy, on long stalks, smooth-edged or scalloped; often clustered at base of plant.
 

Height: Height: 5-10", low-lying
 

Habitat: Lowlying damp woods, streamsides.
 

Blooms: March to May.
 

A garden escapee (early wildflower guides make no mention of it), it is now quite extensive. In many parts of the Rocky River valley, it has completely choked out native species. Low-lying flat areas are often densely carpeted with these in early spring.