Horticulture/Chelidonium majus
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| Greater Celandine | |
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| Binomial: | Chelidonium majus |
| Family: | Papaveraceae |
| Type: | Herbaceous perennial |
| Weediness: | Weedy, invasive in parts of North America |
| Pollination: | Insects |
| Toxicity and edibility: | Toxic to humans and livestock |
The greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) is a yellow-flowering poppy, native to Europe and the Mediterranean basin. It is also widespread in North America, having been brought there by settlers as a herbal remedy for skin problems such as warts as early as 1672. The whole plant is toxic, containing a range of alkaloids, such as Chelerythrine; it may also cause contact dermatitis, particularly the latex.
The greater celandine is the only species in the genus Chelidonium, and is not closely related to the lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria).
[edit] Description
Greater celandine plants may reach 80 cm high, with deeply divided, 30-cm long leaves. The flowers comprise four yellow petals, each about 1 cm long, and are produced from May to July. The seeds are small and black, and possess an elaiosome, which attracts ants to disperse the seeds (myrmecochory). A double-flowered variety, a naturally occurring mutation, also exists.
[edit] Growing Conditions
[edit] Varieties
[edit] Uses
The plant was formerly used by gypsies as a foot refresher; modern herbalists use its purgative properties. The plant is toxic and should not be used without supervision.[1]
[edit] Maintenance
[edit] Propagation
[edit] Harvest
[edit] Pests and Diseases
[edit] References
- ↑ Howard, Michael. Traditional Folk Remedies (Century, 1987) p.146-7
- Blanchan, Neltje (2005). Wild Flowers Worth Knowing. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
