Chelidonium majus
greater celandine
A sparsely hairy, somewhat spreading plant to 90cm, with broadly-lobed pinnately-divided leaves, and yellow flowers in spring and summer. Self-seeds and naturalises freely
Other common names
celandine poppycockfoot
see morecock's foot
kenningwort
sightwort
swallow wort
tetterwort
wartwort
dilwydd
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Papaveraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Chelidonium are erect biennials or short-lived perennials with copious orange sap; leaves are pinnately dissected and poppy-like flowers are borne in loose umbels in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, W Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows easily in most soils in any position, but woodland-edge conditions are ideal. Here it can make useful ground cover, providing food and shelter for a range of invertebrates. See greater celandine for more information
Propagation
Propagate by seed by sowing in situ in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning required, but may need deadheading to reduce prolific self-seeding. Wear gloves and protect skin to avoid contact with the sap
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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