Greater Celandine
Chelidonium majus
Also known as Great Celandine, Celandine, Swallow-wort
Climate Match for your location
See how well Greater Celandine grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A self-seeding biennial or short-lived perennial with bright yellow flowers and deeply lobed leaves. Historically used in herbal medicine, though it contains toxic alkaloids and is considered invasive in many regions.
Why grow it
Greater celandine establishes readily in disturbed sites and semi-shaded areas where many ornamental species struggle, making it useful for quick ground coverage in marginal locations. Its bright yellow flowers appear over a long season and attract pollinators. Compared to cultivated ornamentals with similar bloom color, it requires minimal soil preparation and maintenance, though this vigour also demands management to prevent unwanted spread.
Watch out for
Greater celandine self-seeds readily and can spread beyond intended planting areas. The sap may cause dermatitis or phototoxic reactions in sensitive individuals, so wear gloves when handling and avoid skin contact with the orange-yellow latex. It prefers moist, semi-shaded conditions and can become weedy if not managed; deadheading spent flowers helps reduce volunteer seedlings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Papaveraceae
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A self-seeding biennial or short-lived perennial with bright yellow flowers and deeply lobed leaves. Historically used in herbal medicine, though it contains toxic alkaloids and is considered invasive in many regions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Greater Celandine grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Greater celandine establishes readily in disturbed sites and semi-shaded areas where many ornamental species struggle, making it useful for quick ground coverage in marginal locations. Its bright yellow flowers appear over a long season and attract pollinators. Compared to cultivated ornamentals with similar bloom color, it requires minimal soil preparation and maintenance, though this vigour also demands management to prevent unwanted spread.
Watch out for
Greater celandine self-seeds readily and can spread beyond intended planting areas. The sap may cause dermatitis or phototoxic reactions in sensitive individuals, so wear gloves when handling and avoid skin contact with the orange-yellow latex. It prefers moist, semi-shaded conditions and can become weedy if not managed; deadheading spent flowers helps reduce volunteer seedlings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Papaveraceae
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.