Report #1737 - Report: Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria)

Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) on Feb 4, 2016

Submitter has sample
EDRR Status: Population treated

Description of specimen

In 2015 I observed dense patches of 1-2 inch, heart-shaped, dark green, glossy leaves sprouting in late winter. Yellow flowers bloom in early spring. Small brown rhizome easily breaks when trying to move. Seems to spread quickly. Plant 1-3 inches tall in clusters. Noticed plant coming back in the last 2 weeks (late Jan.-early Feb. 2016).

Commentary

Hi Daniel, thanks for using the Hotline. It certainly appears to be lesser celantine. If digging, please put bulbs and other plant material in plastic bags headed to the landfill, as this species spreads readily. If using chemical pesticides, products that contain MCPA, 2,4-D, or dicamba work well when the plant is actively growing (now) and before it dies back later this spring. Always follow the label on the pesticide. Check out the ODA fact sheet: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/shared/Documents/Publications/Weeds/LesserCelandineWeedBrochure.pdf

Wyatt Williams
Feb. 18, 2016, 9:28 a.m.

Remedy

For small patches, plants can be dug up in their entirety (be sure to get all roots and the small bulbils that break off to form new plants - you may need to sift through your soil to get these). Do not compost or put in your yard debris bin any below-ground parts of the plant (tubers and bulbils) as they can be spread this way. The leaves and flowers are ok to compost or put in yard debris. For larger patches, digging is impractical and can cause a lot of disturbance; herbicide application may have more success. * Lesser Celandine: National Park Service fact sheet *Lesser Celandine info from West Multnomah SWCD

Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) on Feb 4, 2016

Description of specimen

Commentary

Remedy

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