Lesser celandine, sometimes known as fig buttercup, is a small, dark green plant with heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers. Although not implied by its cute name and appearance, this plant is an invasive species in Wisconsin, and natural resource professionals are calling upon residents to report sightings and take action to prevent further spread.
Lesser celandine is a spring ephemeral that blooms in March and April and withers away by the beginning of June. “There is only a short window of time when lesser celandine has emerged and is identifiable, so it’s critical to be on the lookout for this plant now,” says Michelle Beloskur, director of the Midwest Invasive Plant Network.
Its early emergence allows lesser celandine to rapidly cover large areas before native spring wildflowers can break the surface, effectively outcompeting them and reducing biodiversity in local ecosystems. Although lesser celandine thrives in moist, lowland environments — like forest floors, riverbanks and flood plains — the plant can also spread to residential lawns…