Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria)

Family: Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae)

Other Names: Fig Buttercup

Origin: Introduced from Europe

Historic First Bloom Seen: March 23*

GPS For Stand: N 39°04.596' W 84°24.935'

Interesting Facts: This alien species closely resembles the native wetland plant Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris). Lesser Celandine is an unwanted resident in the preserve. Its mat-like foliage and small underground tubers choke out our native spring-flowering wildflowers. Steps are being taken to erradicate this plant from the preserve and restore our native species in it's place

*Average bloom time is based on a compilation of wildflower bloom times from 1975 to present.