Taexalia

wild.life

Celandine Sun Worship

Lesser Celandine ~Ranunculus ficaria

Yesterday we found more signs of Spring in a secluded corner by an old wall. The yellow flowers of Lesser Celandine were dotted against a backdrop of dark green, heart-shaped leaves that resemble ivy - amongst the browns and russets of dead undergrowth and rotting leaves.

Lesser Celandine seems to have little folkore attached to it, which is disappointing given it is sometimes called the "Spring Messenger". It was also called Pilewort since its tubers resemble the affliction and it is listed as a cure for haemorrhoids. It is also listed as toxic and can cause skin irritations.

Wordsworth favoured the plant, although his memorial plaque was mistakenly decorated with Greater Celandine, and C.S.Lewis decorates the floor of the wood with the yellow flowers of Celandine for Aslan's arrival in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

If you know of any other story or folkore references for Lesser Celandine, let me know in the comments.

This morning, we returned to the same spot before the sun had come around and I took the chance to photograph the flowers before they had opened for the day...

Lesser Celandine ~Ranunculus ficaria closed flower

In this last picture, you can see the different stages of the blooms - a bud protruding from the green carpet, a closed flowerhead and an older flower that is losing it's colour and fading to white...

Lesser Celandine ~ Ranunculus ficaria

Lesser Celandine is listed as a weed but it seems to me it is a helpful source of nectar to early insects, as well as a cheery reminder to open oneself to the sunshine and cherish the light.

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Posted on March 3, 2010 in Trees Plants Flowers.

One Response to “Celandine Sun Worship”

  1. Sandra says:
    March 3, 2010 at 7:00 pm

    Beautiful yellow Celandine radiates the promise of spring. Liked the inclusion of the bud…you are a passionate observer.

    Thanks for sharing,

    Sandra/Magnolia/Modron
    Sandra´s last blog ..I Hope You Dance My ComLuv Profile

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