Lesser Celandine

(Ranunculus ficaria)

 

   

 

Color Photograph: Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria L.)

Alien: Native of Europe.

Identification: Flowers large with 8 waxy, yellow petals. Leaves and flowers arising on separate stems. Leaves heart-shaped, glossy, not subdivided. Plant low, from 2 to 6 inches in height.

Distribution: Southeastern Canada southward to Missouri and Virginia. Also occurs in the Pacific Northwest.

Habitat: Lesser Celadine is found in wet woods and pastures.

Flowering period: April to June.

Similar Species: The short stature of Lesser Celadine in addition to the large buttercup-like flowers and the heart-shaped leaves will identify this species.

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