Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria): A Threat to Woodland Habitats in the Northern United States and Southern Canada

Abstract

Lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) is an ephemeral perennial introduced to North America from Europe for ornamental use. This species is becoming widespread in shady, moist woodlands and lawns in the northern United States and southern Canada. Despite its invasive attributes, lesser celandine continues to be marketed by the nursery sector. A hardy and easy plant to grow, lesser celandine has a dense compact growth form that makes it ideal for border plantings and showy flowers that make it a desirable garden species for early spring color. The species easily escapes cultivation, colonizing primarily moist woodland habitats. Once established, lesser celandine creates a monoculture and is purported to displace native ephemeral species. Several factors make control of lesser celandine difficult, including a large root structure, which facilitates clonal reproduction and spread. The ephemerality of lesser celandine results in a relatively brief window in which to apply control measures. Land managers need to be aware of this common garden species as a potentially invasive weed and need to be able to differentiate it from the similar native marsh marigold. Effective management strategies are needed to protect native woodland understory species and biodiversity in natural and seminatural areas of affected regions.

Some biological aspects of the weed Lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria)

“…This weed is an unusual dicotyledon because it has seedlings with a single cotyledon (Taylor & Markhame, 1978). It reproduces primarily by producing and dispersing subterranean bulblets or tubers (Swearingen, 2004;Axtell et al, 2010). Initial establishment is probably accomplished by seeds, although roots can be carried in boots, horse hooves, mower decks and equipment tires.…”

Do multiple mechanisms drive the dominance of an invasive plant (Ranunculus ficaria, Ranunculaceae) along an urban stream?

“…is an invasive species of low-lying wet areas in many temperate deciduous forests in the northeastern United States, and can be especially dense in urban riparian habitats. A perennial native to Europe and western Asia, it was first reported in the United States in 1867, and was probably introduced as an ornamental (Axtell, DiTommaso, and Post 2010). Invasive populations of R. ficaria have three modes of reproduction: seeds, bulbils, and tubers.…”

Invasive plants as drivers and passengers of community change in a disturbed urban forest.

“…A perennial native to Europe and western Asia, it was first reported in the United States in 1867, and was probably introduced as an ornamental (Axtell et al 2010). Invasive populations of R.…”

“…A perennial native to Europe and western Asia, it was first reported in the United States in 1867, and was probably introduced as an ornamental due to its large yellow flowers (Axtell et al 2010). This species can emerge as early as September, and forms thick mats of vegetation.…”

“…bulbifera) is an invasive species in riparian areas of temperate deciduous forests in the northeastern United States, and it can be especially dense in urban riparian habitats. A perennial native to Europe and western Asia, it was first reported in the United States in 1867, and was probably introduced as an ornamental (Axtell et al 2010). Ranunculus ficaria is now present in low-lying wet areas in many temperate deciduous forests.…”