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lesser celandine
noun
: a yellow-flowered Eurasian perennial herb (Ficaria verna synonym Ranunculus ficaria) of the buttercup family naturalized in North America
Examples of lesser celandine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For more information on identifying and preventing the spread of lesser celandine, visit the Michigan Invasive Species Program.
—Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 30 July 2024
With three methods of reproduction, lesser celandine can spread very rapidly in areas with disturbed soils, crowding out native species like spring beauties and trilliums.
—Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 30 July 2024
For small infestations in garden beds, lesser celandine may be dug up using a hand trowel or shovel.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2023
The lesser celandine has unfortunately returned this spring to my lawn.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2023
Wild buttercups are also known as lesser celandine.
—Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2023
Ficaria verna – fig buttercup or lesser celandine.
—Janet Carson, Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 2021
Some of the lesser celandine plants in my home garden are starting to flower now.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2022
Another factor in his decision was the presence of two tenacious weeds, lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) and star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum).
—New York Times, 2 Mar. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lesser celandine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1779, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near lesser celandine
Cite this Entry
“Lesser celandine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lesser%20celandine. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
lesser celandine
nounMore from Merriam-Webster on lesser celandine
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lesser celandine
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