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Papaveraceae HERB OUTDOOR Placement Primary: Medicinal Other

Greater Celandine

Chelidonium majus

Identified By Marcs

Greater Celandine is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the poppy family, Papaveraceae. It is native to Europe and western Asia and has been widely introduced to North America. The plant is easily recognized by its bright yellow, four-petaled flowers, deeply lobed leaves, and a distinct orange-yellow latex that exudes from all parts when damaged. Historically, this latex has been used in traditional folk medicine for various skin conditions, most notably for treating warts and corns. Despite its historical uses, the plant contains numerous potent isoquinoline alkaloids, making it toxic when ingested in significant quantities. It typically thrives in disturbed soils, hedgerows, and woodland edges, adapting well to various environments.

Also known as: Chelidonium Tetterwort Swallowwort Coppice bird's-nest

Toxicity & Safety

Is Greater Celandine toxic to pets?

Yes, toxic to pets.

Greater Celandine is extremely toxic to pets, including cats, dogs, and horses. All parts of the plant, especially the bright orange-yellow sap, contain toxic isoquinoline alkaloids. Ingestion or physical contact with the sap can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, and potentially central nervous system depression. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of this plant, immediate veterinary attention is strongly recommended to manage symptoms and prevent severe systemic complications.

Is Greater Celandine toxic to humans?

Yes, toxic to humans.

Greater Celandine is considered toxic to humans due to the presence of potent alkaloids such as chelidonine, sanguinarine, and berberine. Ingestion can lead to severe poisoning symptoms, including burning sensations in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and liver damage. While the external sap is traditionally used on the skin for warts, direct contact can cause severe allergic contact dermatitis, skin irritation, and chemical burns in sensitive individuals. Internal use is strongly discouraged without professional medical supervision.

Is Greater Celandine safe during pregnancy?

Caution advised during pregnancy.

Greater Celandine must be strictly avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The powerful alkaloids present in the plant possess uterine-stimulating properties that can induce contractions, posing a severe risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Additionally, the potential hepatotoxicity and systemic toxicity associated with the plant can pass through breast milk or harm fetal development, making it extremely unsafe for pregnant and nursing women under any circumstances.

Growth & Dimensions

Height 30 - 90 cm
Width 20 - 60 cm
Growth Rate Fast
Care Level Easy
Lifespan Perennial

Ideal Environment

Temperature -25°C - 30°C
Sunlight Hours 4 - 8 hrs/day
Sun Exposure Partial shade
Soil pH 6 - 7.5
Watering Interval 5 - 12 days
Humidity 40.00% - 80.00%
USDA Zone 4a - 8b

Temperate Europe and North America

Climate: Thrives in temperate climates with moderate rainfall, cool winters, and warm summers, frequently establishing itself abundantly in hedgerows, woodland edges, and waste places.

Soils: Loam Clay Disturbed soil
Annual Rainfall: 600 - 1200 mm

Native Regions

Europe
Western Asia

How to Care for Greater Celandine

How should I handle sunlight and location?

Greater Celandine grows best in partial shade locations, mimicking its natural woodland edge habitat. While it can tolerate full sun if the soil remains consistently moist, excessive direct afternoon sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves and cause the plant to wilt prematurely during hot summer months.

How should I handle watering guidelines?

Water the plant regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during extended dry spells. Although established plants have some drought tolerance due to their robust root systems, they perform significantly better and maintain lush foliage when they receive consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged.

How should I handle soil and fertilization?

Plant in nutrient-rich, well-draining loam or clay-loam soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Greater Celandine rarely requires supplemental fertilization if planted in rich garden soil, as excessive nutrients can sometimes promote overly leggy vegetative growth at the expense of healthy flowering.

How to Propagate Greater Celandine

How to propagate Greater Celandine by seed?

Collect mature seed capsules just before they split open to prevent premature seed loss. Sow the harvested seeds directly into prepared garden soil outdoors during autumn or early spring. Lightly press the seeds into the soil surface as they require a certain amount of light to germinate successfully. Keep the seedbed consistently moist until germination occurs, which usually takes a few weeks depending on the prevailing ambient temperatures. Once seedlings reach a manageable size, they can be thinned out or carefully transplanted to their final desired outdoor growing locations.

Common Diseases & Pests of Greater Celandine

What is Powdery Mildew and how is it treated?

Fungal
Symptoms:

Appears as a white or gray powdery fungal growth on the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves, stems, and flower buds. Infected leaves may eventually turn yellow, curl, dry out, and drop prematurely, weakening the overall vitality of the plant during warm and humid weather conditions.

Treatment:

Prune severely affected leaves to improve air circulation around the plant canopy. Apply organic fungicides such as neem oil, potassium bicarbonate, or sulfur-based sprays according to the product instructions to control and eradicate the fungal spores effectively.

Prevention:

Ensure adequate spacing between plants to promote proper air movement. Water the base of the plants early in the morning rather than overhead splashing to keep the foliage as dry as possible, minimizing the ideal environmental conditions required for fungal spore germination.

Properties & Benefits of Greater Celandine

Bears Fruit

Uses & Health Benefits

What are the benefits of traditional wart and skin treatment in Greater Celandine?

Greater Celandine has a long history of use in traditional herbalism for its caustic yellow latex, which is topically applied to benign skin growths such as warts, corns, and calluses. The active alkaloids present in the latex exhibit cytotoxic and antiviral properties that help break down the abnormal skin cells associated with warts, facilitating their gradual removal over a series of cautious topical applications.

Precautions: The latex is highly caustic and can cause severe skin irritation, chemical burns, or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It should never be applied near the eyes, mucous membranes, or on broken skin, and internal consumption is strongly contraindicated due to extreme toxicity.

Key Nutrients / Compounds

Chelidonine rich in Primary active alkaloid

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