Lesser celandine

ranunculus ficaria

Also known as: ["Pilewort","Fig buttercup"]

Family: Ranunculaceae Genus: Ranunculus Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing perennial herbaceous plant with glossy, heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers, native to Europe and parts of Asia.

Benefits & Perks

["early spring flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Ranunculus
Botanical Name: Ranunculus ficaria

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: woodland garden, shaded border, or container in a cool greenhouse
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
  • Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed after flowering; light cleanup in autumn.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates 2–4 hours of morning sunlight or dappled light. Avoid intense afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; protect from direct sun to prevent leaf scorch; ideal for woodland or shaded garden beds.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, rotting tubers, or sparse flowering indicate poor drainage or incorrect soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Morning sun is preferable; avoid hot afternoon sun; suitable for underplanting taller species.

Watering

every 5–7 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy

Water at the base to avoid foliage; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.

Soil

moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil is not compacted; maintain consistent moisture; enrich with organic matter annually.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C). Prefers cooler conditions during active growth.

Keep in cool, shaded areas; protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer

Apply fertilizer after watering; stop feeding in summer and winter; use a balanced formula.

Propagation

Methods

Division of tubers or bulbils; stem cuttings can also be used.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Divide tubers into sections with at least one bud.
  2. Plant 1–2 inches deep.
  3. Water lightly.

Best Time: Early spring before active growth begins.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Peat-based potting mix with perlite for drainage.

Hormone

Not typically required for division; rooting hormone can aid cuttings.

Timeline

Division: immediate establishment; cuttings: roots in 3–4 weeks, full growth in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Garden knife, small trowel, rooting hormone (optional).

Quick Tips

Ensure each division has a bud; plant at the correct depth; maintain humidity for cuttings.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadheading spent flowers; cutting back yellowed or damaged leaves.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms; trim yellowing foliage in autumn.

Tools

Sharp scissors or small pruning shears.

Checklist

Check for dead or diseased foliage; prune after flowering; sanitize tools between cuts.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth emerges.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.

Method

Gently lift tubers, remove old soil, divide if necessary, and replant in fresh, well-draining mix.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when overcrowded to refresh soil and prevent tuber competition.

Checklist

Check root crowding; use fresh soil mix; ensure proper drainage; space tubers adequately.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the day; avoid wetting foliage; ensure proper drainage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water deeply at the root zone until soil is moistened to a depth of 2–3 inches. Allow excess water to drain away, avoiding waterlogging. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a fine nozzle to deliver a gentle, even stream directly to the soil.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water moderately during active growth (spring), keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in summer dormancy and winter to prevent rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; rot or mold in cold, damp conditions.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures can cause root rot if soil remains wet; may go dormant in winter but requires protection from freezing.

Solution: Ensure well-draining soil; apply a protective mulch layer; avoid overwatering in cold periods.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, or premature dormancy.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; maintain consistent soil moisture; increase air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth stage; dilute fertilizer correctly; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with foliage.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring). Avoid fertilizing in dormancy.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Ranunculus ficaria may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Ranunculus ficaria can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, disrupting nutrient uptake and potentially leading to plant death.

Leaf spots on Ranunculus ficaria are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, which can impair photosynthesis and, if severe, lead to defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Ranunculus ficaria due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay and loss of structural integrity.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are also vulnerable to the toxic effects of Ranunculus ficaria. The plant's irritant compounds, particularly protoanemonin, can cause severe gastrointestinal and dermal irritation in felines. Ingestion may lead to significant discomfort and potential systemic effects, depending on the quantity consumed.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite skin irritation excessive grooming
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from cats. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Dogs
Toxic

Dogs are susceptible to the toxic effects of Ranunculus ficaria due to the presence of protoanemonin. Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress and dermal irritation. The plant's irritant compounds can cause inflammation and discomfort in dogs, with potential for more severe systemic effects in cases of large ingestion.

⚠️ Symptoms:
drooling vomiting abdominal pain diarrhea lethargy skin irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants out of reach of dogs. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Ranunculus ficaria contains ranunculin, which upon enzymatic hydrolysis releases protoanemonin, a toxic irritant. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal and dermal irritation, with potential systemic effects if large quantities are consumed. The plant's toxicity is primarily due to its irritant properties, which can lead to inflammation and discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
severe mouth pain burning sensation nausea vomiting diarrhea skin irritation blistering
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ranunculus ficaria toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: Does Ranunculus ficaria require full sun?

A: No, it prefers partial shade and can tolerate shade.

Q: Why are the leaves of my Ranunculus ficaria turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or natural dormancy after flowering.

Quick Reference
Family: Ranunculaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full shade
Water: every 5–7 days during active
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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