Ranunculus ficaria Ken Aslet - Lesser Celandine

The Ranunculus ficaria Ken Aslet (Lesser Celandine) is a low-growing herbaceous plant (10 to 20 cm (4 to 8in)) that is ideal as ground cover for shady areas. It produces star-shaped flowers in a beautiful bright yellow from March onwards. It is a spreading plant that propagates quickly, disappearing in the summer and re-emerging in winter. Plant in spring for flowering from March to April.

The lesser celandine or pilewort is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. It is a common species in woodlands, damp meadows, or along streams, below 1600m (5249ft) altitude. The lesser celandine is sometimes considered invasive, but its ground-covering flowers that appear as soon as winter ends are of such a bright yellow that it quickly finds its place in the garden.

The lesser celandine is a low-growing plant, 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8in) tall, with the peculiarity of being dormant during the summer and reemerging in winter. Heart-shaped leaves appear in January. Flowering occurs from March onwards. The star-shaped flowers are a beautiful bright yellow, with 3 sepals and 6 to 12 petals. They close in overcast weather. The lesser celandine produces small tubercles that can be transformed into a ointment to treat hemorrhoids, hence the name 'herb of hemorrhoids' sometimes used. The leaves and tubercles are slightly toxic, especially if eaten raw. The name 'celandine' is derived from the shape of the tubercles, resembling that of figs (ficus in Latin). The fruits of the lesser celandine are achenes, but the plant primarily multiplies through tubercles or bulbils located in the axils of the leaves.

In the garden, the lesser celandine prefers shaded areas. It will be ideal as ground cover to brighten up a dark corner with its vibrant flowers.