2011-05-05 13:03
Scientific Name:
Chelidonium majus
Greater Celandine is a tall plant of woodland rides, hedgerows, roadsides and waste ground. As a member of the poppy family, it is actually not a close relative of the Lesser Celandine which is a member of the buttercup family. Greater Celandine flowers from April to October.
How to identify:
Greater Celandine is a tall plant, often growing as a 'weed'. It has custard-yellow flowers, similar to those of a buttercup, but its petals do not overlap. It has strongly lobed, grey-green leaves. It could easily be confused with some members of the cabbage family.
Where to find it:
Found throughout the country.
How people can help:
Many of our so-called 'weeds' are beneficial to wildlife, providing food for nectar-loving insects and shelter for minibeasts. Try leaving wilder areas in your garden, such as patches of flowers like buttercups in your lawn and nettles near the compost heap, and see who comes to visit... To find out more about wildlife-friendly gardening, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there's plenty of facts and tips to get you started.
Statistics:
Height: up to 80cm
Conservation status:
Common.
Did you know?:
The orange sap of Greater Celandine was historically used as a herbal remedy for warts.
Seasons:
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Image:
