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Greater celandine

How to identify Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus)

Greater celandine, also known as Chelidonium, Devil’s milk

Greater celandine is distinguished by its vibrant yellow flowers that grace gardens and disturbed areas commonly in early summer. The flowers tend to bloom between May and June, capturing the essence of the warmer months with their bright color. This herbaceous perennial favors damp, but not saturated, soil conditions and thrives in rich loams, showcasing its adaptability to various soil types. Ideally, it prospers in shaded locations, yet can withstand full sun exposure in cooler environments. Its ability to naturalize in mountainous regions indicates a robust nature. Typically, greater celandine flourishes at a modest size that suits flower gardens.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Biennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Greater celandine

1

Yellow 1/2 to 3/4 inch (1.3 to 1.9 cm) flowers blooming May-June.

2

Distinctive cylindrical 2 inch (5 cm) green-brown fruit capsules that split open.

3

Prominent pinnately-divided leaves with lobed leaflets and noticeable veins.

4

Brittle stem exuding yellow-orange sap, waxy texture with sparse hairs.

5

Adaptable herbaceous perennial thriving in shaded areas with vivid yellow flowers.

Greater celandineGreater celandineGreater celandineGreater celandineGreater celandine

Detailed Traits of Greater celandine

Leaf Features

Greater celandine leaves measure 5-10 inches (12.7-25.4 cm) in length and are pinnately divided. The leaflets are distinctly lobed, giving them a deeply incised appearance. The veins on the leaves are prominent and lighter in color, creating a stark contrast against the darker green leaf surface. This vein pattern makes the leaves of greater celandine easily identifiable. The texture of the leaves is somewhat delicate and soft to the touch. These characteristic features aid in the identification of greater celandine.

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Flower Features

The flowers of greater celandine are yellow and measure 1/2 to 3/4 inch (1.3 to 1.9 cm) across. Each flower is 4-parted, with four distinct petals arranged in a radial pattern, contributing to its symmetrical appearance. Blooming occurs from May through June. The brilliant yellow petals are likely to be the most noticeable feature, serving as a key characteristic for identification. Scent details are not commonly noted, but the visual appeal is significant for recognition purposes.

Greater celandine Flower image
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Stem Features

The stem of greater celandine is brittle and exudes a distinctive yellow-orange sap when broken. It has a waxy surface adorned with sparse hairs, giving it a slightly rough texture. The stem is typically green, varying in thickness from 0.2 to 0.4 inches (5 to 10 mm). Branching occurs irregularly along the stem, contributing to the plant's bushy appearance. These characteristics are pivotal for identifying this plant among similar species.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of greater celandine is a slender, elongated capsule that reaches approximately 2 inches (5 cm) in length. As a key identification feature, the capsule exhibits a distinct cylindrical form. Upon reaching maturity, it typically presents a green to brownish hue. The surface of the capsule is smooth to the touch. Unique to its structure, this capsule splits open from the top to release numerous tiny, minute seeds, an attribute known as dehiscence, which is common among members of its family.

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Key Facts About Greater celandine

Attributes of Greater celandine
Spread
30 cm to 40 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Blue
Flower Size
1.5 cm to 2.5 cm
Flower Color
Yellow
Fruit Color
Green
Stem Color
Green
Yellow
Leaf type
Deciduous
The Toxicity of Greater celandine
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Scientific Classification of Greater celandine

Family
Poppy
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Species
Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus)
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Distribution Map of Greater celandine

Greater celandine is native to Europe, the Mediterranean, Russia. It is also found naturalized in much of North and South America, England, and Ireland. In North America, it is considered aggressive or invasive. It grows in sheltered places like riverbanks, hedgerows, and loose, mesic woodlands.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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