University of Maryland Extension

Lesser celandine

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Lesser celandine *
Ranunculus ficaria var. ficaria (Ficaria verna)

lesser celandine

Life cycle: perennial, 3- to 9-in; herbaceous invasive found in moist, wooded floodplains
Growth habit: introduced as an ornamental plant having shiny, dark green, kidney-shaped leaves; flowers with glossy, bright yellow petals in early spring; entire plant goes dormant in summer.
Reproduction: spreads by finger-like tuberous roots

Lesser celandine roots
Tuberous lesser celandine roots
Photo: C. Carignan

Control: dig up clumps, making sure to remove all tuberous roots

lesser celandine growing in natural area
Lesser celandine overtakes a natural area

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