Lesser celandine Ficaria verna 'Randall's White'
ABOUT
Ficaria verna 'Randall's White', commonly known as lesser celandine, is a low-growing perennial with a lush, green, and glossy appearance. Its leaves are heart-shaped to kidney-shaped, often forming a characteristic dense carpet of foliage. The distinctive feature of 'Randall's White' is its flowers. Unlike the typical yellow blooms of the lesser celandine, this cultivar produces pure white flowers that possess a shimmering quality against the green backdrop of its leaves. Each flower is composed of multiple delicate petals arranged in a rosette, surrounding a subtle center of stamens. The blooming period of this plant showcases the stark white flowers that contribute to a bright and eye-catching display in the landscape. The plant spreads to form a mat-like ground cover, often preferred for its ornamental value.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Pilewort, Lesser Celandine, Fig Buttercup, Ranunculus Ficaria 'Randall's White'.
Common names
Ranunculus ficaria var. bulbifera, Ranunculus ficaria, Ficaria verna.
ToxicityTo humans
Lesser celandine is considered mildly toxic to humans if ingested. It contains saponins and protoanemonin, which can cause irritation and burning of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract if eaten in large quantities. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, it could lead to respiratory and cardiac depression. It is recommended to avoid eating any part of this plant.
To pets
Lesser celandine is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The plant contains compounds such as saponins and protoanemonin, which can irritate the digestive system. If ingested by pets, it may cause symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. In rare cases, or if consumed in larger amounts, it could lead to more serious issues such as respiratory or cardiac problems. Pet owners should prevent their animals from consuming any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
0.25 feet (7.62 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15.24 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Ficaria verna 'Randall's White', commonly known as lesser celandine, adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its white flowers and attractive foliage.
- Early Spring Blooms: It is one of the first plants to bloom in spring, providing early season nectar for pollinators.
- Ground Cover: The plant’s dense growth habit makes it useful for covering bare spots in the landscape and controlling soil erosion.
- Low Maintenance: Lesser celandine requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance planting schemes.
- Tolerant of Diverse Conditions: It can thrive in a variety of soil types and can tolerate partial shade, increasing its versatility in landscaping.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Ficaria verna, commonly known as lesser celandine, has been used traditionally for its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in the context of topical applications for skin conditions.
- Antiscorbutic: The high vitamin C content of lesser celandine has historically given it antiscorbutic properties, which means it has been used to prevent or treat scurvy.
- Astringent: Lesser celandine has been used for its astringent properties to help tighten tissues and reduce discharge in conditions like hemorrhoids.
- Wound healing: Used historically to promote wound healing due to the presence of tannins, which can help in the contraction and regeneration of skin tissue.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary art: The bright white flowers of Ficaria verna can be used to decorate desserts and salads, contributing to the aesthetic value of the dish.
- Dye production: The plant can be used to produce a yellow dye, though not commonly practiced, for coloring fabrics or crafts.
- Photography subjects: The distinct appearance of 'Randall's White' variety makes it a popular subject for botanical photographers looking to capture the beauty of unique plants.
- Garden groundcover: Its dense growth habit and low maintenance requirements make it suitable for use as a groundcover plant in gardens.
- Educational tool: This plant can be incorporated into educational programs and workshops about biodiversity and the variation within species.
- Indicator species: Ficaria verna can act as an indicator for the start of the spring season, as it blooms early in the year.
- Seasonal decoration: Fresh or dried flowers can be used in seasonal wreaths and arrangements to decorate homes during the spring.
- Biodegradable confetti: Dried petals of Ficaria verna can serve as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional confetti at celebrations.
- Frost cover: When planted densely, this plant can help to protect the soil from frost, keeping the ground slightly warmer during cold spells.
- Wildlife garden addition: Although not a primary food source, the presence of 'Randall's White' may attract bees and other pollinators to the area, fostering local biodiversity.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lesser celandine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lesser celandine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Ficaria verna, commonly known as Lesser celandine, often heralds the coming of spring, as it is one of the first plants to bloom, symbolizing the end of winter and the promise of renewal and new beginnings.
- Healing: Historically, lesser celandine has been used for medicinal purposes, to treat ailments such as hemorrhoids and wounds, representing healing and the soothing of pain.
- Hope: The bright yellow flowers of lesser celandine can be a cheerful sight after a long, dark winter, representing hope and the optimism brought by brighter days.
- Adaptability: Lesser celandine is a hardy plant that can thrive in varying conditions, often growing in damp woods and hedgerows, symbolizing adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity.
- Perseverance: As lesser celandine is a tenacious plant that is difficult to eliminate once it has taken hold, it represents perseverance and the idea of persisting against the odds.
- Temporal Beauty: Since the flowers of lesser celandine close at night and on cloudy days, they symbolize the ephemeral nature of beauty and moments of happiness that should be cherished.
WaterTo keep the lesser celandine 'Randall's White' healthy, water it deeply once a week to thoroughly moisten the soil, using about 1 gallon of water for a medium-sized plant. During the active growth period in spring, ensure consistent moisture but take care not to overwater as this plant prefers slightly damp conditions rather than soggy soil. If it's particularly hot or dry, you may need to water twice a week. Always check the top inch of the soil for dryness before watering again. Cut back on watering as the plant goes dormant in the summer, maintaining just enough moisture to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightLesser celandine 'Randall's White' thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. Ideal placement is under deciduous trees where it can receive filtered sunlight or in a northern or eastern exposure that offers bright but indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct, harsh sunlight as it may scorch the delicate foliage.
TemperatureThe lesser celandine 'Randall's White' is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, surviving in conditions as cold as 25 degrees Fahrenheit and as warm as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, its ideal growing temperatures are between 45-75 degrees Fahrenheit, which promotes healthy growth without stressing the plant.
PruningPruning is not typically necessary for lesser celandine 'Randall's White', but tidying up spent flowers and removing dead or yellowing leaves enhances its appearance. They can be pruned after flowering if desired to maintain a neat appearance, but this isn't essential due to the plant's natural growth habit and summer dormancy. Pruning should be done with care, as excessive cutting back can harm the plant.
CleaningNot needed
SoilLesser celandine 'Randall's White' thrives in moist, well-draining soil with a high organic matter content. A mixture containing equal parts loam, peat, and sand would be ideal. This plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, aiming for a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingLesser celandine 'Randall's White', being a perennial groundcover, doesn't typically require frequent repotting. Repot when it outgrows its container or every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingLesser celandine 'Randall's White' prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in a temperate climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area, ensure moist soil, high organic content.
Outdoor
Partial shade, moist fertile soil, naturalize in damp areas.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleFicaria verna 'Randall's White', commonly known as lesser celandine or pilewort, begins its life cycle in early spring when the soil warms, sprouting from small bulbils or tubers. The plant quickly develops a rosette of dark green, heart-shaped leaves and produces solitary, white flowers that are often streaked or tinged with green. Following pollination, typically by insects, it sets seed by late spring to early summer; however, much of its propagation is vegetative through tubers. As temperatures rise in late spring, the plant enters a dormancy stage characterized by the dieback of the foliage, allowing it to survive through the summer. In autumn, the plant remains dormant, surviving underground as a tuber. With the return of cooler, wet weather in late winter to early spring, the cycle repeats as new shoots emerge from the tubers, refreshing the population.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: The Ficaria verna 'Randall's White', commonly known as lesser celandine or fig buttercup, is most commonly propagated through division, a process often carried out in the late summer or early fall, when the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the tuberous roots after the foliage has died back and gently separate them into individual tubers, ensuring that each division has at least one growth point. These tubers can then be immediately replanted in well-drained soil at a depth of about 2 to 3 inches (roughly 5 to 7.5 cm), spaced a few inches apart, which allows the plants to establish a new root system before the onset of winter. This method is favored due to its simplicity and the quick establishment of new plants, enabling gardeners to efficiently propagate and spread ‘Randall’s White’ throughout their garden or redistribute them elsewhere.
