Celandine

Other names

Greater Celandine

Native distribution

Not Native to the Finger Lakes Region

Cultivation

A 12-30"" plant with blue-green lobed leaves, yellow flowers, and bright orange sap.
Light: part shade to shade
Moisture and Soil: dry to moist soil (esp. in disturbed areas)

Propagation

Seed Treatment and Storage: non-native; not recommended for propagation.

Biocultural value

The Haudenosaunee gave an infusion of celandine, another plant, and milk to pigs that drooled and exhibited seizures or sudden movements.

Wildlife value

Likely visitors to celandine's nectarless flowers include bees and Syrphid flies. Ants distribute the seeds, which have a fatty elaisome. Mammalian herbivores typically avoid the acrid, bitter-tasting foliage.

Poisonous

yes

Poisonous description

Celandine's acrid yellow sap causes severe irritation and extreme stomatitis and gastroenteritis if ingested. Animals normally refuse to eat the plant, but deaths have been recorded in humans and poisoning has occured in cattle. Celandine owes its toxicity to isoquinoline alkaloids.

Location

Mundy Wildflower Garden, Coy Glen, Eames Bog

Status

L4|SNR|GNR