UK Flowers: Herbs, Shrubs, Vines & Trees
UK Flowers

UK Lesser Celandine

Herb Icon Cultivated Flower     First Aid Symbol  Mildly Toxic
Image of Lesser Celandine
Ficaria verna
Family: Ranunculaceae

Flower Properties

Property Value
English Name Lesser Celandine
Scientific Name Ficaria verna
MainColor Yellow
PlantType Herb Icon Herb
Distribution Cultivated Flower Cultivated
Season Found March (Jan - Apr)
ImageUrl Ficaria-001
Photographer DP
Location Found Abbots Langley
Country Found UK
Last Updated 05 September 2026
Photo Quality A

Flower Details

Description

Lesser Celandine is a low-growing perennial with heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow, glossy flowers that appear in early spring. The flowers typically have 8-12 petals and form a star-like shape. It thrives in damp, shady environments such as woodland floors and riverbanks.

Distribution

Native to Europe and western Asia, it has been introduced to North America where it can become invasive.

Medicinal/Other Uses First Aid Symbol

✅ Historically used in herbal medicine to treat haemorrhoids and skin conditions.

Edibility

Caution Advised - the plant contains toxic compounds and should not be consumed raw.

Human Toxicity Mildly Toxic
Mildly Toxic Mildly_Toxic

Mildly Toxic - can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal distress if ingested.

Pet Toxicity Pet Toxicity

Mildly Toxic to dogs and cats - ingestion can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea.

Active Compounds

Protoanemonin, saponins, tannins.

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙