Suggested Native Replacements:
- Cowslip, Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris var. palustris)
- Golden ragwort, Heartleaf ragwort (Packera aurea)
- Green and gold (Chrysogonum virginianum)
- Heart-leaved foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)
- Virginia bluebell, Virginia cowslip (Mertensia virginica)
- Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum)
Synonym(s)
Ranunculus ficaria
Common Name
Lesser celandine
Fig buttercup
Plant Form
Herbs
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Considered Invasive by the State of Virginia?
Yes
Threat Level
High
Additional Info
Notes: Introduced as an ornamental and is still commercially available. Its aggressive spread in moist conditions poses a threat to early-blooming spring flowers and thus has a negative impact on native pollinators. It is reported as invasive in the eastern U. S. as far south as Tennessee and locally in both Arlington and Alexandria.
Method of removal: Foliar spray as early as possible in the spring
Attention! DO NOT COMPOST. Resprouts from unearthed tubers
Additional links
Native Look-alikes
Ranunculus abortivus
Ranunculus caricetorum
Ranunculus hispidus
Ranunculus micranthus
Ranunculus recurvatus
Ranunculus sceleratus
Ranunculus septentrionalis
iNaturalist Research-grade Observations