Ranunculus ficaria Lesser celandine (Ranunculaceae)

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Ranunculus ficaria
Lesser celandine
(1 Page of 5)

The Ranunculus ficaria plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Lesser celandine. Some home gardeners know the variety as Ficaria verna. F. ranunculoides.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Ranunculus ficaria
Common Name:  Lesser celandine
Family:  Ranunculaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  All parts of the plant are poisonous. The toxins are unstable and of low toxicity, they are easily destroyed by heat or by drying[19]. The sap can cause irritation to the skin[65].

Mature Height:  0.2   Mature Width:  0.2

Habitat:  Woods, scrub, meadows, by streams etc, avoiding acid soils[9, 17].

Medicinal Information: Lesser celandine has been used for thousands of years in the treatment of haemorrhoids and ulcers[254]. It is not recommended for internal use because it contains several toxic components[254]. The whole plant, including the roots, is astringent[4, 165, 238]. It is harvested when flowering in March and April and dried for later use[4]. It is widely used as a remedy for piles and is considered almost a specific[4, 238]. An infusion can be taken internally or it can be made into an ointment and used externally[4, 238]. It is aso applied externally to perineal damage after childbirth[238]. Some caution is advised because it can cause irritation to sensitive skins[244].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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