Lesser Celandine

The glossy, yellow, star-like flowers of Lesser Celandine (pictured above), provide a stunning display on hedge banks. Resembling buttercups, but with more and narrower petals, these early flowers have now appeared on the heart shaped leaves which were among the first green vegetation to emerge after winter. The shiny flowers reflect the sun to attract pollinators. Bumblebee queens emerging from hibernation need an early supply of pollen and nectar. By early summer, there will be no trace of Lesser Celandine above ground, maintaining its presence underground in fig like tubers. The eye-catching, cheery, golden flowers are part of our native Irish biodiversity.