Lesser Celandine, Ficaria verna (formerly Ranunculus ficaria) is a small perennial plant that belongs to the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and the Caucasus and has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. Lesser Celandine is also known by several other names, including Fig Buttercup, Pilewort, and Small Celandine.

It flowers early, usually in March, and sometimes in February, and so is considered a harbinger of spring.

Appearance and Characteristics

Lesser Celandine is a small plant that grows to a height of about 10 cm (4 inches) and has a spread of up to 30 cm (12 inches). It has glossy green leaves that are heart-shaped and about 2-5 cm (0.8-2 inches) in diameter. The leaves emerge early in the very spring, usually in late February or early March, and remain green throughout the summer.

The flowers of Lesser Celandine are bright yellow and have eight petals. They bloom in early spring, usually in March, and can last for up to six weeks. The flowers are quite small, about 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches) in diameter, and grow on stalks that rise above the leaves. The petals of the flowers are often slightly glossy, giving them a shiny appearance. Very occasionally the petals are white, as shown in the below image.

The plant also has underground tubers that can store nutrients, enabling it to survive through periods of drought or other adverse conditions. These tubers are small and are often clustered together, giving the appearance of a small, knobby potato.

Habitat and Distribution

Lesser Celandine prefers damp, shady areas and can often be found growing along riverbanks, in woodlands, and in meadows. It can also be found in gardens, where it is often considered a weed.

While Lesser Celandine likes damp ground, it won't grow in places that are permanently waterlogged.

Uses and Benefits

Lesser Celandine has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The plant contains a number of bioactive compounds, including saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, that are believed to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It has been used to treat a range of ailments, including hemorrhoids, gout, and rheumatism.

The plant has also been used in traditional medicine as a diuretic, to treat respiratory infections, and to stimulate the immune system. In addition, it has been used as a culinary herb, and the leaves and tubers have been eaten as a vegetable.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Lesser Celandine is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens. Its bright yellow flowers and glossy leaves make it an attractive addition to any garden, and it is often used to provide ground cover in shady areas.

Toxicity

Lesser Celandine contains a number of toxic compounds, including the glycoside ranunculin. When the plant is crushed or chewed, an enzyme in the plant tissue converts ranunculin into protoanemonin, which can cause skin irritation, blisters, and other symptoms.

Protoanemonin is also toxic when ingested, and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. In large quantities, it can also cause liver and kidney damage. The toxins in Lesser Celandine can be particularly harmful to livestock, and animals that ingest the plant may experience severe symptoms.

It is important to exercise caution when handling Lesser Celandine, and to avoid ingesting the plant or exposing bare skin to its sap. If you come into contact with Lesser Celandine, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water to remove any sap.

Cooking or drying destroys the toxin, and apparently it can be eaten as a vegetable if thoroughly boiled, although I haven't tried it myself. There is evidence that the tubers were consumed by mesolithic hunter gatherers, and that they were a valuable source of carbohydrates.

Folklore

Lesser Celandine has a rich history of folklore and symbolism. In many cultures, it has been associated with the coming of spring and the renewal of life. In ancient Greek mythology, the plant was associated with the god Hermes and was said to be a symbol of fertility and rebirth.

In Celtic mythology, the plant was associated with the goddess Brigid and was believed to have healing powers. It was also associated with the sun and was believed to have the power to drive away evil spirits.

Its alternative name, pilewort, reflects the fact that it was used in the middle ages to treat piles. This is a wonderful example of the doctrine of signatures, based on the resemblance of the tubers to haemorrhoids.