Lesser celandine Ficaria verna subsp. verna

Names

• Family

  Ranunculaceae.

• Synonyms

  Lesser Celandine, Pilewort, Smallwort, Fig Buttercup, Brighteye, Butter Rose, Frog's Foot.

• Common names

  Ranunculus ficaria var. ficariiformis, Ranunculus ficaria var. bulbilifer, Ranunculus ficaria var. aurantiacus, Ficaria grandiflora, Ficaria verna var. ficariiformis, Ficaria verna var. bulbilifer, Ficaria verna var. aurantiacus, Ficaria verna var. calthifolia, Ficaria verna var. grandiflora, Ficaria verna var. nudicaulis, Ficaria verna var. pleniflora, Ranunculus ficaria subsp. calthifolius, Ranunculus ficaria subsp. ficariiformis, Ranunculus calthifolius, Ranunculus aurantiacus.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Commonly known as lesser celandine, Ficaria verna subsp. verna contains several toxic compounds, such as saponins and protoanemonin. Ingestion of this plant may cause irritation of the digestive system, resulting in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The fresh plant is more toxic than when dried, as the protoanemonin is unstable and may degrade upon drying. Contact with the skin can result in dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is important for humans to avoid consuming any parts of the lesser celandine to prevent these adverse health effects.

• To pets

  Lesser celandine is toxic to pets due to the presence of compounds like saponins and protoanemonin. If ingested, pets may experience vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and drooling. In some cases, the plant can also cause lethargy and loss of appetite. The fresh parts of the plant pose a higher risk, as protoanemonin, which is responsible for these toxic effects, can degrade when the plant material is dried. Care should be taken to prevent pets from consuming the lesser celandine, as it can lead to these unpleasant and potentially harmful symptoms.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Yellow

• Height

  0.25 feet (0.08 m)

• Spread

  1 feet (0.3 m)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  4

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Erosion control: This plant can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion due to its fast growth and ground-covering habit.
• Food source for wildlife: It provides early spring nectar for pollinators such as bees when few other food sources are available.
• Aesthetic appeal: Ficaria verna has attractive yellow flowers that can add beauty to garden settings in early spring.
• Soil improvement: As a part of the ecosystem, it can contribute to the cycling of nutrients and improvement of soil quality through its decomposition.
• Culinary uses: While not commonly consumed, the young leaves can be used in moderation as a part of salads or cooked greens (Note: Plant parts can be toxic if ingested in large quantities).
• Cultural significance: It has a place in folklore and traditional celebrations of spring in some cultures.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Ficaria verna subsp. verna has been traditionally used to reduce inflammation.
• Astringent: The plant has astringent properties, which can help to tighten and contract skin and mucous membranes.
• Antibacterial: There is some evidence to suggest that it possesses antibacterial activity, though this may be context or preparation dependent.
• Venous conditions: It has been used in traditional medicine to treat various venous conditions, including hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
• Wound healing: The plant has been applied topically in folk medicine to promote the healing of wounds and ulcers.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• As an ornamental ground cover: Ficaria verna, commonly known as lesser celandine, can be used in gardens to cover shaded ground, providing early spring color with its distinctive yellow flowers.
• In dye-making: The plant has been used to extract a yellow dye for coloring textiles, although it is not a commonly used source of dye.
• Invasive species research: Lesser celandine is studied for its capability to spread aggressively, helping researchers understand invasive species dynamics and control methods.
• Educational purposes: It serves as a subject in education about native and invasive species, teaching about plant identification and environmental impacts.
• Indicator of seasonal change: The early blooming of lesser celandine is sometimes used by naturalists as an indicator of the onset of spring.
• Photography subject: Their bright yellow flowers make them popular among photographers, especially those specializing in macro photography of spring wildflowers.
• Cultural significance: In some cultures, the appearance of lesser celandine flowers is associated with folklore and is integrated into seasonal festivals or traditions.
• Botanical studies: It is often included in botanical studies and field guides due to its widespread presence and distinctive characteristics.
• Soil conditioning: When decomposed, lesser celandine can add organic matter to the soil, although its invasive nature often overshadows this benefit.
• Wildlife support: Although not a primary food source, the flowers of lesser celandine provide nectar and pollen for early spring pollinators such as bees.

Feng Shui

The plant Ficaria verna is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant Ficaria verna is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Renewal: Ficaria verna, commonly known as lesser celandine, blooms early in the spring, symbolizing the renewal of life and the end of winter.
• Hope: With its bright yellow flowers, the lesser celandine represents hope and optimism for the future, much like the sun breaking through after a dark period.
• Adaptability: As a plant that thrives in varying conditions, lesser celandine also symbolizes adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges.