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celandine
Scientific Name: Chelidonium majus
Family: Papaveraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Biennial
Other Names:
Lesser Celandine: A Springtime Jewel
Lesser celandine (Ficaria verna), formerly known as Ranunculus ficaria, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). It is also known by the common names Pilewort, Smallwort, Brighteye, and Cheesecups.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant's bitter taste is mentioned, which might deter consumption by some animals.
- The plant can form "carpets" of growth, potentially leading to larger quantities being accessible.
Considerations for Children
- The plant can form "carpets" of growth, potentially attracting interest.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Ficaria verna (formerly Ranunculus ficaria L.)
- Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
- Synonyms: Pilewort, Smallwort, Brighteye, Cheesecups
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Britain.
- Common throughout the UK.
- Found in damp meadows, woods, lawns, hedgebanks, and beside streams and ditches.
- Favors woodlands and shady places.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Low-growing.
- Hairless.
- Perennial flowering plant.
- Produces butter-yellow flowers.
- One of the earliest spring flowers.
- Known for forming carpets of yellow blooms.
- Roots resemble a bunch of grapes.
Quirky Facts
- William Wordsworth was a great admirer of lesser celandine, even writing three poems about it: "The Small Celandine" and "To the Same."
- In Welsh, it's known as "Llygad Ebrill," meaning "April's Eye."
- Ancient writers associated its appearance with the arrival of swallows and its withering with their departure.
Additional Information
- The whole herb and tubers are collected at different times of the year.
- Lesser celandine is considered one of the milder spring leaves prior to flowering, suitable for salads.