Lesser Celandine: Beautiful Villain

A clear sign of spring in Chester County is the appearance of the buttercup-like flower, the Lesser Celandine.  Its beautiful bright yellow petals and heart-shaped leaves were once a favorite of poet William Wordsworth, who wrote at least three poems to the Lesser Celandine, and even had its likeness carved on his tombstone.

 Unlike the adoration it may have received in 19^th century England, where the poet and his flower were both natives, here in 21^st century America the Lesser Celandine is treated more like a criminal, an object of contempt, hunted down by environmentalists and gardeners.  In fact the Lesser Celandine appears on the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Invasive Plants List: the Most Wanted list for rogue plants.  The list consists of, “those species that are not native to the state, grow aggressively, spread and displace native vegetation”.

The time to see this plant in Chester County is in late April.  But don’t get too attached to its radiant charm.  In May, the fugitive will go back underground; spreading its nefarious web until next year.

To the Small Celandine

Pansies, Lilies, Kingcups, Daisies,

Let them live upon their praises;

Long as there's a sun that sets

Primroses will have their glory;

Long as there are Violets,

They will have a place in story:

There's a flower that shall be mine,

'Tis the little Celandine.

William Wordsworth, 1803