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Similar but less problematic plants:
Geum Geum coccineum
Senecio candicans 'Angel Wings' Senecio candicans 'Angel Wings' leaves
Ranunculus ficaria is often confused with:
Caltha palustris Caltha palustris
Geum Geum coccineum
Native alternative(s) for Ranunculus ficaria:
Claytonia virginica Form
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Clematis terniflora form in landscape on arbor in late summer
Nandina domestica Growing Form
Wisteria floribunda Full bloom
Ranunculus ficaria has some common insect problems:
Slugs & Snails on Ornamental Plants

Dusky Maiden Ranunculus ficaria

Previously known as:

  • Ficaria verna
  • Ranunculus ficaria
Phonetic Spelling
ra-NUN-ku-lus fye-KAIR-ee-uh
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
This plant is an invasive species in North Carolina
Description

Lesser celandine is a weedy perennial groundcover in the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family. It was introduced into North America and has naturalized in 19 states in the Northeast, the Pacific Northwest, and eastern Canada. In wild areas, plants compete with native plants and wildflowers forming large, dense vigorous colonies that sometimes cover several acres of land. 

Flowers are easy to spot in the early spring. it is an ephemeral that emerges earlier than most native plants and may inhibit the development and reproduction of other native spring ephemerals that are essential to wildlife.  After flowering, the plant foliage dies back by early summer as the plants go dormant.  Bulblets on above-ground stems and underground tubers are the primary methods of propagation. Tubers resemble figs, hence the Latin name.  The spread of bulblets and tubers can be accelerated by such factors as animal digging and downstream flooding.

Insect, Disease, and Other Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Slugs and snails may appear. When planted in a garden, plants tend to spread invasively into adjacent areas. It is reported ar invasive by the NC Invasive Plant Council and by several surrounding states.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#invasive#fleshy leaves#high maintenance#fast growing#aggressive#glossy leaves#naturalizes#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#weed
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#invasive#fleshy leaves#high maintenance#fast growing#aggressive#glossy leaves#naturalizes#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#weed
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Ranunculus
    Species:
    ficaria
    Family:
    Ranunculaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Root Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Europe to Caucasus
    Distribution:
    CT, DE, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MO, NC, NH, NJ, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WV
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Perennial
    Weed
    Habit/Form:
    Mounding
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    High
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Achene
    Fruit Description:
    Hairy achenes
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Radial
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Showy bright, buttercup-yellow blooms March to May, have 8 petals and are 1-3 inches wide. Flower stalks rise 8"-9" inches tall.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Fleshy
    Glossy
    Smooth
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Ovate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Glossy dark green, leaves are heart to kidney-shaped,( ovate-cordate), fleshy, up to 2” in length, spreading rosettes.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Angular
    Stem Description:
    Stems are deeply grooved and U-shaped in cross-section.
  • Landscape:
    Problems:
    Invasive Species
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
    Weedy
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, oral ulcers and wobbly gait.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Protoanemonin (an irritant)
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No