Lesser Celandine
Ficaria verna
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
shade
Water
medium
Size
3"–12" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Pollinators
bees, flies
Native alternatives to Lesser Celandine
Lesser Celandine is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 446 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaFicaria verna, commonly known as lesser celandine, is a low-growing spring wildflower that produces bright yellow buttercup-like flowers from March through May. This shade-tolerant perennial goes dormant by early summer, disappearing completely until the following spring.
In an HOA neighborhood
Lesser Celandine takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Invasive species that spreads aggressively
- Leaves completely bare ground after going dormant in summer
- May be prohibited by local ordinances
Wildlife value
The early spring blooms provide nectar for bees and flies when few other flowers are available. However, this is a non-native species that can become invasive and crowd out native spring wildflowers.
Common questions
- How much sun does Lesser Celandine need?
- Lesser Celandine grows best in shade conditions.
- When does Lesser Celandine bloom?
- Lesser Celandine blooms in March, April, and May.
- What pollinators does Lesser Celandine attract?
- Lesser Celandine draws bees and flies.
- Is Lesser Celandine HOA-friendly?
- Lesser Celandine takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Lesser Celandine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz