SafePlants

Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria)

Lesser celandine, also known as Ficaria verna (formerly Ranunculus ficaria L.), is a low-growing perennial flowering plant belonging to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Other common names include Pilewort, Smallwort, Brighteye, and Cheesecups.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that tubers are collected, and the plant grows in meadows and lawns, common areas for pets to roam.

Considerations for Children

• The plant grows in areas such as woodlands and parks, common areas for children to be in nature.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ranunculus ficaria
• Formerly Known As: Ficaria verna
• Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
• Common Names: Lesser celandine, 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.
• Prefers woodlands and shady places.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Low-growing.
• Hairless perennial.
• Known for carpets of yellow blooms; cultivars offer more unusual flower colors.
• One of the earliest spring flowers.
• The roots resemble a bunch of grapes.

Quirky Facts

• Wordsworth was a huge fan of the Lesser Celandine and wrote three poems about it, including "The Small Celandine" and "To the Same." He favored it over the daffodil.
• Its Welsh name is Llygad Ebrill, meaning 'April's Eye'.

Additional Information

• Lesser celandine is one of the earliest spring greens to emerge.