ExplorePlants

lesser celandine

Ficaria verna

Lesser celandine is a bright yellow flower that blooms in spring. It grows close to the ground and loves to spread across gardens and fields, making them look sunny and cheerful.

Habitat: Woodlands

Appearance

The lesser celandine has bright, glossy yellow flowers, typically with 8-12 petals that radiate around a central cluster of stamens. Its heart-shaped, dark green leaves are often shiny and grow low to the ground, forming dense carpets.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRanunculalesFamilyRanunculaceaeGenusFicaria
lesser celandine
flowering trait badgespring_blooming trait badgemedicinal trait badgeedible trait badge
lesser celandine

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

It vanishes by early summer, waiting hidden underground for next spring's warmth!

It's one of spring's first flowers, sometimes blooming right through late snow!

Its glossy yellow petals act like tiny mirrors, reflecting light for early insects!

Its tiny roots swell like little figs, giving it part of its scientific name!

Special abilities

Ability

Sun Seeker

Lesser celandine can bloom very early, before trees grow leaves, helping it get lots of sun.

Ability

Underground Power

It has special tubers in its roots to store energy, helping it survive winter and regrow.

Ability

Self-Defense Potion

Lesser celandine can produce a mild toxin when fresh, which helps protect it from being eaten.

Measurements & details

Height
5-20 cm
Spread
10-30 cm
Flower Size
2-3 cm
Bloom Season
Late winter to early spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

visits flowers for nectar and pollen.

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

a vital source of early spring nectar.

eaten by

Spanish slug

Arion vulgaris

grazes on its leaves and flowers.

Traits

Also known as

Ficaria

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Do not eat any part of the plant, as it can make you feel unwell.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is lesser celandine?

5-20 cm

How wide does lesser celandine spread?

10-30 cm

How big are the flowers on lesser celandine?

2-3 cm

When does lesser celandine bloom?

Late winter to early spring

Is lesser celandine edible?

No

Is lesser celandine toxic?

Mild

What is lesser celandine's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is lesser celandine pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Plants