Pronounced (approximate): fih-KAIR-ee-uh VER-nuh
A low spring ephemeral with glossy yellow flowers and rounded, heart-shaped foliage.
Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna): field photograph. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Ranunculaceae
Life cycle Tuberous perennial
Blooms Early–mid-spring
Height Up to 1 foot
Habitat Moist woods, streambanks, lawns and garden escapes
Common names: Lesser Celandine · Fig Buttercup
Bloom timing varies with latitude, weather and local conditions.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Moist woods, streambanks, lawns and garden escapes. Flowering season: Early–mid-spring.
Marsh Marigold has fewer, broader yellow flower parts and lacks the same dense tuberous growth. Greater Celandine has four petals and divided leaves. Ficaria verna is also treated as Ranunculus ficaria.
Yellow flowers usually have seven or more narrow petals.
Smooth, shiny leaves have heart-shaped bases and rounded edges.
Low-growing plants form spreading patches and die back after spring. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
7 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Native to Europe, the Mediterranean region and western Asia; introduced in North America.
Reported U.S. distribution
AL, CT, DE, DC, IL, KY, MD, MA, MI, MO, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV, WI
Includes native and introduced state records where listed; a state record does not imply occurrence in every county.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Lesser Celandine in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.