Ficaria verna

Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna (previously Ranunculus ficaria)) belongs to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, and is sometimes called "fig buttercup." The “buttercup” describes the bright yellow flowers, and the “fig” refers to the shape of the underground tubers.

Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna (previously Ranunculus ficaria)) is a "spring ephemeral" meaning it spends most of the year hidden from view as underground tubers. The weed’s hide-and-seek life cycle makes detecting and evaluating the extent of spread a time-sensitive endeavor.

Lesser Celandine is known as a "spring ephemeral" owing to the time of year when short-lived plants and flowers are present. The majority of this weed's hide-and-seek life cycle is spent hidden from view as underground tubers. Bright yellow buttercup flowers are now revealing infestations in southern Ohio.

Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna (previously Ranunculus ficaria)) is now very evident in southern Ohio. Plants are in full bloom, or nearly so, meaning effective control options are becoming limited.

Lesser Celandine is now very evident in southern Ohio. Blooms have not yet appeared; however, this conspicuous life-cycle stage is just around the corner. Be on the lookout for this highly-invasive non-native weed and take steps to eradicate it from Ohio forests and landscapes.