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.