Ranunculus ficaria L.

Ficaria verna Huds., Fig Buttercup, Lesser Celandine

Threat Level	Category
Emerging	Forb/Herb

Similar Species May be confused with the following native and/or non-native species. Landscape Alternatives lists native horticultural substitutes	Caltha palustris Native Landscape Alternatives

Description

Fig Buttercup is a perennial plant and spring ephemeral growing from a cluster of tubers underground. Leaves emerge in winter before flowering, which usually occurs in late winter through mid-spring depending on conditions. Above ground portions typically die back during early summer after seed dispersal. Fig buttercup is dormant from summer through early winter.

Height

Fast growing, 4 to 12 inches tall, fig buttercup quickly spreads to form a dense ground cover.

Leaves

Dark green, glossy, fleshy leaves have long petioles and a cordate to kidney shape. The margins may be wavy or entire. Lower leaves are opposite. Leaves average around 2-3 cm long and 2-4 cm wide but can vary in size.

Flowers

Single flowers held on stalks above the foliage open in late April to early May measuring 2-4 cm across. Three light green sepals subtend 8-12 narrow, obovate petals that are glossy and bright yellow. Flowers are pollinated by bees, flies, and beetles.

Fruit

Pubescent achenes are beakless, 6 mm across and slightly flattened. Tubers can be spread by animals digging or movement of soils near water. A tetraploid of fig buttercup (R. ficaria ssp. bulbifer) also produces ellipsoid or spherical bulbils in the leaf axils, aiding in its dispersal.

Images

Photo: Janie Marlow, NameThatPlant.net, Bugwood.org
More images of Ficaria verna

Life History

Habitat

In the Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae), Ranunculus ficaria is frequently found in moist alluvial soil typical of forested flood plains. Low open woodlands, meadows and waste areas are also common places. Moist sandy soils seem to be preferred, though it occasionally takes root in drier soils. It does not tolerate soil acidity well. Vigorous, dense growth displaces other spring ephemerals wherever fig buttercup grows.

Origin and Distribution

Fig buttercup’s native range covers Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. Originally introduced to N. America as an ornamental and medicinal plant, it has escaped cultivation and is of particular concern in the northeastern United States.

Management Recommendations

Mechanical Control

Small infestations may be removed by hand-pulling, but it is very important to completely remove all components of the root system. This method will leave the soil disturbed and vulnerable to new invasions.

Chemical Control

Before beginning treatment make sure it is not a native look-alike such as Caltha palustris (marsh marigold). Ranunculus ficaria is best controlled through systemic treatment with herbicide to ensure the root system is also killed. The window to apply herbicide is in late fall to early spring between March and May. Special care must be taken to only treat Ranunculus ficaria and not any of the native wildflowers. Be sure to use a wetland-approved formula of glyphosate as this will ensure death of the root system.

References

Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States

Clement, David L. University of Maryland, Bugwood.org (accessed 2018, photos)

Hilty J. (Dec. 20, 2017) Weedy Wildflowers in Illinois, n/a, IL: John Hilty

Gleason, H.A., Ph.D. and Cronquist, A. Ph.D. (1991) Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada, (2nd ed.) Bronx, NY, The New York Botanical Garden (p. 59)

Author Unknown (2018) Invasive Plants in Pennsylvania Lesser Celandine Ranunculus ficaria, Harrisburg, PA: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

EDDMapS. 2018. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available online at EDD Maps, last accessed March 12, 2018