These mats can inhibit or prevent the growth of native plants, especially native spring ephemerals such as spring beauty ( Claytonia virginica), Dutchman's breeches ( Dicentra cucullaria), squirrel corn ( Dicentra canadensis), and others.
These multiple reproduction methods help lesser celandine become an aggressive spreader and form dense mats that cover large areas if left unchecked. Lesser celandine reproduces and spreads through seeds, tubers (underground, fleshy, bulb-like structures), and bulblets (small bulb-like structures that grow on the stems). The flowers resemble buttercups, and lesser celandine is, in fact, in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). To spot lesser celandine, look for a low-growing plant with glossy, kidney-shaped leaves up to 4 inches high, with bright yellow flowers on stalks that can reach 9 inches tall. Image: Look for celandine’s small kidney-shaped leaves and yellow flowers. Unfortunately, this plant is still available for sale in the nursery trade. Lesser celandine will also invade lawns and gardens. This invader is most prevalent in floodplains, moist lowlands, and riparian areas near bodies of water, but it can also be found in upland areas with drier soils. Native to parts of Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, lesser celandine was introduced to North America as an ornamental during the 1800s and has become widespread in the northeastern and mid-western United States. The leaves and flowers of spring ephemeral plants are generally gone by late May in Pennsylvania, but their underground parts continue to store nutrients for re-emergence the following spring. Lesser celandine is a spring ephemeral, meaning it emerges early in spring before trees leaf out, but it doesn’t stick around very long. Image: Lesser celandine can form extensive mats and is especially problematic in floodplains and riparian zones, where flowing water helps move the plant to new locations. However, this is also the time to be on the lookout for a nasty invader: lesser celandine ( Ficaria verna) (synonym =Ranunculus ficaria), also called 'fig buttercup.' What is it? Many people look forward to seeing the first flowers emerge in spring, and there are indeed many lovely plants appearing this time of year.
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