Land Plants - invasive

Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) on Mar 14, 2011

Submitter has sample
EDRR Status: Local expert notified

Description of specimen

Shiny leaves, sort of shaped like violets, but more shiny and tender, with a yellow flower just beginning to open. There were quite a few, but probably within about a 10-foot diameter circle at most. My specimen I brought is dried out now, but still recognizable.

I would like to go back and work on this patch, but am VERY busy right now. I will be seeing someone from the Eugene Garden Club tomorrow, which is sort of across the alley, and will ask her if anyone at the Garden Club is into dealing with invasives.

Commentary

I heard that there are numerous little bulblets underground. Any particular advice on how to deal with them? My plan is to put them in an old cat food bag and stomp on them before putting them in the garbage, perhaps even put some water in with them and let them ferment.

Reporter
March 14, 2011, 9:33 a.m.

Dear Karen!

Thank so much for reporting lesser celandine. This is a species that more people need to be aware of, and getting the garden club involved is an excellent idea.

This species is primarily a problem in peoples gardens where it becomes impossible to get rid of. Infested areas are difficult to use for any other purpose. It also spreads into natural areas and negatively impacts native plant populations and alters habitats. Gardeners are idea group to make aware because they have a lot at stake, and can also really help prevent spread by removing it from their property and being careful not to put it in the compost (put it in the trash).

I am seeing this species spread through the city's leaf collection and redistribution service as well as through the yard waste composting services.People may order leaves or purchase/spread compost and then find lesser celandine popping up around their yard.



Digging it up is possible but you must be very careful to remove all the tiny "bulblets" that it makes, and monitor the site and repeated removal until it is gone. Again, dont put it in the compost.

I like your idea of putting bulblets in a bag then smashing. Let me know if you were able to kill them. I think the trick is to be careful that you smash all of them. If one viable piece remains it will re-sprout. Please let me know how your experiment turns out!

I would encourage you to spread the word (not the weed) about this species with all of your friends and neighbors.

Thanks again for being an outstanding "weed warrior"!


Tania Siemens
Invasive Species Early Detection and Rapid Response Coordinator
The Nature Conservancy
WISE Program Coordinator (Watershed and Invasive Species Education)
Oregon Sea Grant Extension
tania.siemens@oregonstate.edu
541-914-0701


Tania Siemens
March 26, 2011, 12:57 a.m.