Part I How lesser celandine grows
Part II Herbicide considerations
Part III Notes, including locations
and spray history

A Quick Guide to
Lesser Celandine
Lesser celandine April 11, 2006 Winter Aconite March 8, 2004

Lesser Celandine

Shiny green leaves growing in a mat, 1" high in March, up to 6" in April-May.
Yellow buttercup-like flower about a half inch across
Hard to pull because the roots have elongated tubers.that break off.
Starting to bloom as of March 25
Mats of the plant spread easily, especially on wet ground
The leaves disappear in late May

Aconite

Three leaves are divided into smaller sections
Like lesser celandine, the flower is low, resembling a buttercup
Blooms just before lesser celandine.
Spreads easily in all directions; forming circles
The leaves disappear in late spring

Removal

Lesser celandine will spread by seed to the Park and other places if it is not removed. Removal is easier if done in late March or early April before the plants grow large, though it can be done successfully in early May as well.

To take out small areas, loosen deep roots with a trowel or shovel, shake off loose soil, and dispose of plants in a plastic bag. Large areas may need an herbicide.

The above applies to getting rid of winter aconite as well.

About herbicides

We do not recommend herbicide use if it is at all avoidable. If a yard has more celandine than anyone is willing to dig, the recommended herbicide is Round-Up. Plan to apply it when the temperature is above 40 degrees and when rain is not expected for twelve hours. The closest hardware store for many Sligo residents is Strosnider's, which sells a ready-to-use container for $6.99. If the spray will be used near water, substitute Rodeo, which is designed for wet places and is safer for frogs, salamanders and other organisms in the water. Rodeo may be available from Strosnider's and is definitely carried by Behnke Nursery in Beltsville. These products contain glyphosate, which clings to soil particles rather than traveling to streams. Glyphosate breaks down to natural chemicals in two to twenty-four months.

If you are concerned about killing grass along with the lesser celandine, consider using Green Light Stump and Vine Killer. It contains 8.8% triclopyr instead of glyphosate, and should be diluted with water for a leaf spray – see directions. It costs $10 for an 8 oz. bottle at Behnke Nursery in Greenbelt. While we do not know of triclopyr being used on celandine, we are told it should work. Both glyphosate and triclopyr are among the least damaging herbicides, and are used by the Park.

Submitted by Sally Gagné
March 2009

Part I How Lesser Celandine Grows
Part II Herbicide considerations
Part III Notes, including locations
and spray history