greater celandine
(Chelidonium majus)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Appearance
Chelidonium majus is a brittle, herbaceous biennial that reaches 11-31 in. (30-80 cm) in height. Its stems are ribbed and branching. The lower parts of the branches are pubescent. When the branches or leaves are broken a yellowish-orange sap can be seen.
Foliage
The alternate cauline leaves can be up to 13 in. (35 cm) in length, with petioles measuring 0.75-4 in. (2-10 cm) long. The thin leaf blades are glaucous beneath, deeply 5-9 lobed and are irregularly dentate around the margins. The veins of the lower leaf surfaces have fine, short hairs.
Flowers
The bright yellow flowers are contained in axillary pedunculate umbels. The peduncle itself measures 0.75-4 in. (2-10 cm) long. Each flower has four obovate to oblong petals that measure about 0.4 in. (1 cm) wide. This plant usually flowers from May to June.
Fruit
The "lumpy" capsules are linear to oblong-shaped and measure 0.75-2 in. (2-5 cm) in length. Within the capsule are black seeds with reticulate pitting on their surface.
Ecological Threat
Chelidonium majus can become abundant in minimally managed habitats and can outcompete other native herbaceous plants. It is most often found in disturbed areas, especially with moist soil. Conceivably its seeds could be moved to other habitats by ants.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- City of Ann Arbor Michigan Parks and Recreation
- Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
- National Park Service, Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team Invasive Plant List
- New Hampshire Invasive Plant Species Watch List
- New Hampshire Invasive Species Committee. 2005. Guide to Invasive Upland Plant Species in New Hampshire. New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food Plant Industry Division and New Hampshire Invasive Species Committee.
- Non-Native Invasive Plants of Arlington County, Virginia
- Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program Tracked Species List
- Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Invasive Plants
- WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
- Wisconsin Noxious Weeds
- Wisconsin's Invasive species rule – NR 40
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Ranunculanae |
| Order: Ranunculales |
| Family: Papaveraceae |
| Genus: Chelidonium |
| Chelidonium majus |
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.