Celandine
Chelidonium majus
Papaveraceae
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
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.
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.
Poisonous
YesLocation
Fall Creek Gorge, Steep Hollow Creek, Mundy Wildflower GardenCultivation
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)
Status
L4|SNR|GNR
