Yellow Colour Lesser Celandine Flower

Lesser Celandine : A Harbinger of Spring and a Controversial Beauty
As winter begins to loosen its icy grip, one of the first wildflowers to grace the forest floors and streambanks of Europe and parts of North America is Lesser Celandine. With its heart-shaped leaves and glossy, buttercup-yellow flowers, this plant is both celebrated for its early bloom and questioned for its aggressive behavior. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating species—its history, characteristics, uses, and ecological impact.
Botanical Description
Lesser Celandine is a low-growing perennial that belongs to the buttercup family. It typically blooms between March and May, producing bright yellow, star-like flowers with 8 to 12 petals. The flowers open in sunlight and close in cloudy weather or at night.
The plant’s dark green, shiny, kidney- or heart-shaped leaves form dense mats on the forest floor. One of the most notable features of Lesser Celandine is its two methods of reproduction: through seeds and small underground tubers. These tubers are not only a way to survive the winter but also enable rapid spread.
Native and Invasive Range
Lesser Celandine is native to Europe and western Asia, where it has long been admired for its vibrant early-spring appearance. In its native range, it generally coexists peacefully with other flora.
However, it has become invasive in parts of North America, especially in the eastern United States and the Pacific Northwest. In these areas, it often outcompetes native spring ephemerals—plants that rely on a brief period of sun before tree canopies leaf out. Because Lesser Celandine emerges early and forms dense mats, it shades out these native species, reducing biodiversity and disrupting natural habitats.