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