Celandine Lesser (Ranuculus ficaria) Grán arcáin

Appearance:
Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna), also known as fig buttercup, is a low-growing perennial herb with heart-shaped, glossy green leaves and bright yellow, buttercup-like flowers with 8-12 petals.

Growth Habit:
It forms a low, spreading mat, growing up to 4-8 inches tall. It blooms early in spring, covering the ground with flowers before going dormant in summer.

Cultivation:
Lesser celandine thrives in moist, shady locations, such as woodlands, meadows, and stream banks.

Soil:
Prefers moist, well-drained soils, especially rich in organic matter. It adapts well to clay and loamy soils.

Sunlight:
Best grown in partial shade to full shade, though it can tolerate some sunlight early in the season before trees fully leaf out.

Watering:
Requires regular watering, particularly in spring. It prefers moist soil conditions.

Uses:
Traditionally, it was used to treat hemorrhoids and skin conditions. The leaves were once eaten as a pot herb but are now avoided due to the plant’s toxicity when raw.

Dyeing:
Not commonly used for dyeing.

Ornamental:
It is often grown in woodland or shade gardens for its early spring flowers, making it a cheerful ground cover.

Medicinal:
Lesser celandine was historically used to treat hemorrhoids and bleeding, due to its astringent properties. However, it contains toxic compounds and should be used with caution.

Maintenance:
Low-maintenance but can become invasive, spreading via tubers and bulbils. Control is necessary to prevent it from overtaking other plants, especially in garden settings.