Ficaria verna subsp. verna

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Lesser celandinePerennial, DeciduousFamily: Ranunculaceae

Height: 5cmSpread: 15cm
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Yellow

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Dappled shade, full shade

Aspect:

East facing, north facing

Shade Type:

Damp

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist

Ficaria verna subsp. verna (lesser celandine) is small, low-growing perennial from the buttercup family. A British native, it has yellow, star-shaped flowers in spring, and dark green, rounded glossy leaves.

Ficaria verna subsp. verna can be found growing in areas that have damp shade – in woodland, under hedges and along the banks of streams. It also often pops up in gardens. It's one of the first flowers to appear after winter, and is a good nectar source for early pollinators, including queen bumblebees that are emerging from hibernation.

Some gardeners view Ficaria verna subsp. verna as a weed – it can be invasive, spreading via underground root tubers. If it is overtaking your borders, you can try digging it out before it flowers, but you need to be thorough, otherwise the problem will persist. If it's growing in your lawn, frequent mowing may weaken the plant. However if you have an area of the garden where you are happy to let it grow, such as under a hedge or on a bank, it can be an attractive ground cover plant.

Many garden cultivars of celandine, such as Ficaria verna 'Brazen Hussy' are available.

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Advice on buying Ficaria verna subsp. verna

Lesser celandine is not a plant for a border – grow it under a tree or hedge or on a bank
Ficaria verna subsp. verna is often sold 'in the green' in spring, or as bulbils in autumn
You're likely to find to find lesser celandine for sale from online wildflower suppliers. Garden cultivars are also available

Where to buy Ficaria verna subsp. verna

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecFlowersyesyesyes

Ficaria ‘Verna’ and wildlife

Ficaria ‘Verna’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Ficaria ‘Verna’ poisonous?

Ficaria ‘Verna’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People