Lesser Celandine


Lesser Celandine

Distributed throughout temperate, far northern, and tropical montane regions, this genus contains about 400 species of mainly deciduous annuals, biennials, and perennials. Although the wild celandine, Ranunculus ficaria is very invasive as a garden plant, it has numerous variants with attractive foliage and colorful, often double floweres that are better behaved. Most members of the buttercup family contain acrid compounds that are too irritant for internal use. Ranunculus ficaria is and exception and is often taken in tablet form for hemorrhoids (piles). The traditional use of this herb for treating piles gave rise to the common name, "pilewort". Its suitability for this purpose was in accordance with the Doctrine of Signatures (according to which a plant's appearance indicated its use), because of the clustered tuberous roots of pilewort were thought to resemble piles. Ranunculus is the diminutive of the Latin rana, "frog", because many species are aquatic or grow in wet places.

Mat-forming, very variable, tuberous perennial with heart-shaped leaves, to 4cm (1½in) long, often forming bulbils at the leaf bases. Bright yellow, solitary flowers, 2-3cm (¾-1¼in) across, with glossy petals, appear in early spring.


Common Name:
Lesser Celandine
Other Names:
Pilewort
Botanical Name:
Ranunculus ficaria
Genus:
Ranunculus
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Native Location:
Europe, W Asia, NW Africa.
Cultivation:
Moist, neutral to alkaline soil in sun or shade. Ranunculus ficaria is particularly invasive when grown in shade, which encourages formation of bulbils at leaf bases.
Propagation:
By seed sown when ripe (species only); by division in spring or autumn.
Harvest:
Plants are lifted after flowering, complete with roots, and used fresh for ointments and suppositories, or dried for use in infusions, liquid extracts, and tablets.
Height:
5-15cm (2-6in)
Width:
30cm (12in)
Hardiness:
Z4-9
Variations:
var. albus
Has bronze-marked leaves and pale cream flowers, fading to white.
var. aurantiacus
Syn. Cupreus

Has silver-green leaves with a central bronze mark, and copper-colored flowers.
Brazen Hussy
Has dark brown foliage and yellow flowers with bronze undersides.
f. flore pleno
Has double flowers.
Parts Used:
Whole plant including roots
Properties:
An astringent, slightly bitter herb that is specifically anti-hemorrhoidal.
Medicinal Uses:
Externally for hemorrhoids, and for perineal damage after childbirth. Often combined with Hamamelis virginiana (See, Common Witch Hazel) in creams and ointments, and with Calendula officinalis (See, Pot Marigold), Hamamelis virginiana (See, Common Witch Hazel) or Plantago major (See, Common Plantain) in suppositories.
Warning:
Harmful if eaten. Skin Irritant
Bibliography:
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg. 340.