365 Urban Species. #102: Lesser Celandine

[urbpan]

photos by cottonmanifesto

Urban species #102: Lesser celandine Ranunculus ficaria

Unfortunately--from the point of view of those of us who are novice students of urban nature--lesser celandine is not closely related to celandine. We encounter this problem frequently, especially with the plants (but sometimes also with the birds). Many living things were named for their superficial resemblance to some other, better-known thing. This is why we have a thrush called "robin," a maple called "elder," and a knotweed sometimes called "bamboo."

The history of lesser celandine (and this name is really a slight--wait until you see true celandine, it's not as nice) does not provide us with a suitable alternative. Unless, that is, you don't mind the name "pilewort" ("wort" means "medicinal herb," more or less) which comes from the use of the plant's root for treatment of hemorrhoids.

While celandine is in the poppy family, lesser celandine is instead aligned with the buttercups. Both "celandines" have cheerful yellow flowers, but to refer to them with the same common name is analogous to the house cat being referred to as the "lesser dog." Not fair, whatever your opinion on plants or pets may be.

Lesser celandine, or if you prefer, pilewort, was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant. It has spread and become invasive, but seems to be fairly uncommon in Boston. We have found it around Leverett and Ward's Ponds, but not as a profuse ground cover, as some sources indicate. In fact, its sporadic appearance gives the impression of being a somewhat rare wildflower in our area.

Comments

[hhw]

I've got a large patch of that in my backyard and have wondered what it is - thanks!

I've also got japanese knotweed (it's not just for rivers anymore) and some himalya blackberry (almost gone, phew). Oh, and english ivy of course. There are few more, but I can't remember the names. This is on a 25' x 40' lot, half of which is covered by house. Perhaps I'll just see how many invasives I can cram into one space and let them battle each other for top billing. Who will be America's Next Most Invasive (plant) Species?

[momomom.livejournal.com]

Here it is terribly invasive, taking over entire river banks and and surrounding wet areas...I'm talk acres and acres of pure lesser celandine. It spread by little bulblets that wash off very easily with high water and then wash downstream.

As with so many invasives, it has its lovely side too. I adore the flowers and the folliage is nice in moderation.

Marsh marigold is the "good twin".

[bezigebij.livejournal.com]

Ranunculus ficaria and Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold)...I always get the two mixed up. In fact, I'm still not sure which is which. In any case, I have a whole lot of one of them growing and blooming in my garden right now. I love how in a matter of weeeks in creates a substantial green ground cover, making everything look all "springy" and then...it disappears. Yeah for ephemerals!

Also, I agree, "lesser", hmph.

[drocera.livejournal.com]

The old soda bottle in backround sets it off perfectly! LOL

[bunrab.livejournal.com]

And in Texas, a juniper called cedar.

[iainzard.livejournal.com]

I took some photos of a carpet of these in the woods near where I work in New York: (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53214003@N00/179480597/)