Greater celandine

Chelidonium majus

Chelidonium majus, commonly known as greater celandine or tetterwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Papaveraceae family. Native to Europe and western Asia, it has become naturalized in various parts of the world. Here's an overview:

Botanical Description:

  1. Growth Form:

    • Greater celandine is a herbaceous perennial plant.

  2. Height:

    • It typically grows to a height of about 30 to 120 centimeters (12 to 47 inches).

  3. Leaves:

    • The leaves are pinnately compound, with lobed or toothed leaflets.

  4. Stems:

    • The stems are smooth, hollow, and contain yellow to orange latex.

  5. Flowers:

    • The bright yellow flowers have four petals and are arranged in umbel-like clusters. They bloom from late spring to early summer.

  6. Fruit:

    • The fruit is a capsule containing numerous seeds.

Identification Tips:

  • Yellow Latex:

    • When the stems are broken, they exude a yellow to orange latex.

  • Pinnately Compound Leaves:

    • The leaves are compound, typically with lobed or toothed leaflets.

  • Yellow Flowers:

    • The bright yellow flowers are characteristic.

Habitat:

  • Distribution:

    • Native to Europe and western Asia. Naturalized in North America and other regions.

  • Habitat:

    • Greater celandine often grows in disturbed areas, along roadsides, and in gardens.

Uses:

  • Traditional Medicine:

    • Greater celandine has been used in traditional herbal medicine for various purposes, although caution is advised due to its toxic components.

  • Wart Removal:

    • The latex has been traditionally used to treat warts, though its efficacy and safety are subjects of debate.

Caution:

  • Toxicity:
    • Greater celandine contains alkaloids and can be toxic if ingested. It should not be used without proper knowledge and guidance.

Note:

  • Invasiveness:
    • Greater celandine can spread readily, and in some regions, it is considered invasive.