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 conditions are ideal
Propagation
Propagate by seed by sowing in situ in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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