Greater celandine Chelidonium majus
ABOUT
Commonly known as greater celandine, this plant has a distinctive appearance, characterized by its yellow to orange sap. The leaves are deep green, pinnate with lobed edges, and have a slightly wrinkled texture. The flowers compose of four yellow petals that form a cross shape and bloom from late spring to early fall. These petals surround prominent stamens and a pistil that contrast with the bright petal color. The plant produces elongated, slender seed pods that follow the flowering period. The roots are thick and fleshy, often dark on the outside and orange inside, matching the color of the sap that the plant is known for.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Papaveraceae
Synonyms
Greater Celandine, Tetterwort, Nipplewort, Swallowwort
Common names
Chelidonium haematodes, Chelidonium laciniatum, Chelidonium luteum, Chelidonium majus var. laciniatum, Chelidonium majus var. villosum, Chelidonium quercifolium.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Garden Aesthetics: Chelidonium majus, commonly known as greater celandine, adds a splash of color to gardens with its bright yellow flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: The nectar and pollen-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Traditional Dye: The bright orange-yellow sap has been used historically as a natural dye for fabrics and artworks.
- Easy to Grow: Greater celandine is low maintenance and can grow in a variety of soil conditions, making it suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Herbal Lore: Greater celandine has a rich history in folklore and has been associated with protection and warding off evil in some cultures.
- Companion Planting: When planted in the garden, it is said to enhance the growth and health of surrounding plants, though the mechanisms are not scientifically proven.
- Soil Indicator: The presence of greater celandine often indicates that the soil is rich in nutrients, particularly nitrogen, which can be beneficial for gardeners monitoring soil health.
Medical Properties- Antispasmodic: Chelidonium majus, commonly known as greater celandine, has been used traditionally to alleviate spasms.
- Choleretic: It is believed to stimulate bile production and release from the liver, aiding digestion.
- Analgesic: The plant has components that are thought to reduce pain.
- Antimicrobial: Has been used for its potential to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
- Antiviral: Some studies suggest greater celandine may have antiviral capabilities.
- Immunomodulatory: It may have the ability to modulate the immune system.
- Diuretic: Has been used traditionally to promote the production of urine which can assist in the removal of waste from the body.
- Sedative: The plant has been used to induce relaxation and relieve anxiety.
- Keratolytic: Can help in the removal of warts by dissolving the keratin, which warts consist of.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Chelidonium majus, commonly known as greater celandine, has been used historically as a dye for fabrics, imparting a yellowish color to textiles through the bright yellow sap found in its stem.
- The plant has been used in woodwork for staining wood to achieve a coloration similar to that of mahogany due to its tannin content.
- In traditional arts, the sap of greater celandine has been employed as a natural pigment for painting, providing a range of yellow hues.
- Greater celandine sap has also been used as a marker ink by gardeners to label plant tags due to its visibility and persistence.
- Gardeners have cultivated Chelidonium majus as an ornamental plant to incorporate into cottage gardens and natural-style plantings for its bright yellow flowers.
- The strong yellow sap can be used for temporary decorative etching on glass, as it can lightly etch the surface.
- Enthusiasts of natural remedies have used the sap of greater celandine to remove warts on plants, similar to its traditional use on human skin.
- The bitter taste of the plant has been utilized in small quantities to deter pets and wildlife from chewing on garden plants and other important vegetation.
- In some folklore traditions, it has been hung in homes as an amulet to ward off evil spirits, due to the belief in its mystical protective properties.
- Historically, greater celandine has been mixed with fodder in very small quantities to discourage insects in stored grain.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiGreater celandine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityGreater celandine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Chelidonium majus, commonly known as Greater Celandine, has traditionally been associated with healing due to its medicinal properties, particularly in treating warts and liver disorders.
- Protection: In folk belief, Greater Celandine was thought to ward off evil spirits and was often used in rituals for protection.
- Magic: With its bright yellow sap and connections to herbal medicine, Greater Celandine was sometimes considered a magical herb with mystical properties.
- Hope: The vibrant yellow flowers of the plant are symbolic of hope and renewal, heralding the arrival of spring and new beginnings.
- Joy: The cheerful color and presence of the flower in the wild has also made it a symbol of joy.
WaterGreater celandine should be watered moderately. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy, which usually equates to about 1 inch of water per week. During the growing season, increase watering to coincide with more active growth, but always allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In hotter climates or during particularly dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. It is better to water deeply and less frequently than to give the plant a little water often. For a specific amount, consider starting with approximately half a gallon per square foot every week and adjust based on the plant's response and prevailing weather conditions.
LightGreater celandine thrives in partial shade to full sun. It performs best in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to protect it from the intense midday heat. The ideal location for greater celandine would be under the dappled light of a tree canopy or on the east side of a building where it can get gentle sunlight.
TemperatureGreater celandine does well in temperate climates, tolerating a temperature range from about 50°F to 75°F, which are its ideal conditions. It can survive in temperatures as low as 30°F but should be protected from frosts and freezes. Ensure that the plant is not exposed to temperatures exceeding 85°F for prolonged periods, as this can stress the plant and affect its growth.
PruningPruning greater celandine is primarily done to remove dead or damaged foliage and to shape the plant if desired. Prune in the late fall or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually as part of maintenance, focusing on thinning out crowded stems to promote air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. The best time for heavier pruning to shape the plant or control its size is in the early spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGreater Celandine thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter; a mix of loam, peat, and sand in equal parts is ideal. Maintain soil pH between 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingGreater Celandine does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingGreater Celandine prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity conditions typically found in home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water sparingly.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; shelter from intense afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleGreater celandine (Chelidonium majus) begins its life cycle as a seed, typically dispersed in late summer or autumn, after which it undergoes a period of dormancy through winter. Upon the arrival of spring, the seeds germinate, and seedlings emerge, developing into rosettes with lobed leaves. As the plants mature, they produce erect, branching stems and bright yellow flowers from late spring through summer, which are pollinated by insects. Following pollination, the flowers develop into slender, elongated seed pods filled with tiny black seeds. After seed dispersal, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, while the roots can survive through winter to regrow the following spring, making greater celandine a perennial herb. In some areas, the plant may behave as a biennial, completing its life cycle in two years with the first year focused on vegetative growth and the second on reproduction.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) is most commonly propagated through its seeds. The ideal time for sowing seeds is in late winter to early spring. The seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy, which can be achieved by sowing them directly outdoors in fall so they can overwinter or by artificially stratifying them in a refrigerator for a few weeks before planting. To propagate by seed, sow them at a depth of about 1/4 inch (approximately 6 mm) in a seed-starting mix, and keep the soil moist until germination. Germination usually takes place within two to three weeks when kept at room temperature. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into their final location in the garden.
