Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas - National Park Service

HERBACEOUS FORBS
Prevention and Control
Due to its popularity in some circles as an edible plant, it may be
purchased and cultivated. If grown, ensure that it does not spread beyond
the planted site by removing flowers and fruits and killing back
if it does begin to beyond the intended area. Manual, mechanical and
chemical methods are available and effective (see Control Options).
Fig Buttercup _____________________________
Ficaria verna Huds.
Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae)
Origin: Europe
Background
Fig buttercup, also known
as lesser celandine, was
introduced to the United
States as an ornamental plant
and many colorful varieties
are currently available
commercially.
Distribution and Habitat
Fig buttercup is currently
found in 20 northeastern
states and in Oregon, Washington
and several Canadian
provinces. It occurs most Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut
commonly on moist, forested floodplains and other wet areas.
Ecological Threat
Fig buttercup’s greatest threat is to native spring-flowering or
“ephemeral” plants. It emerges in the winter in advance of most
native species, giving it a great competitive advantage. Once established,
it spreads rapidly, forming a solid green blanket across the
ground through which native plants are unable to penetrate.
Description and Biology
• Plant: perennial herbaceous spring ephemeral plant with thick
tuberous roots and bulblets.
• Leaves: shiny, dark green, kidney-shaped, and stalked.
• Flowers, fruits and seeds: glossy, butter-yellow flowers appear in
March and April supported on delicate stalks above the leaves.
Aboveground portions of lesser celandine die back by early June.
• Spreads: primarily by bulblets and underground tubers. The
tiny cream-colored bulblets are attached to leafstalks and are
easily dislodged from the plant. A mass of small, gray, fingerlike
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