urbpan | 365 Urban Species. #123: Celandine

Urban species #122: Celandine Chelidonium majus

Celandine (or "greater celandine," to distinguish it from the unrelated "lesser celandine") is an early weed with glossy yellow flowers. The appearance of its flowers and fruit suggests a large mustard, but it is actually in the poppy family. It is believed to have been introduced into North America from Europe, for its use in herbal medicine. It has applications for skin problems and liver ailments. Perhaps not coincidentally, it has also been blamed for causing skin irritation, and liver poisoning. This plant is considered invasive in some states, but has an interesting limitation: it can only occur in areas that have ants, as it requires these insects to transport its seeds.