Also known as Celandine · Celandine Poppy · Garden Celandine
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) is a bright yellow-flowered herbaceous plant native to Europe and Western Asia, historically used in traditional medicine.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers partial shade
50% intensity
Tolerates full sun in cooler climates, but benefits from afternoon shade in hotter regions
Keep soil consistently moist
50% intensity
Water when top 2-3 cm feels dry, avoid waterlogging
Well-drained, moist, fertile soil
50% intensity
Hardy perennial
25% intensity
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, tolerates frost
Outdoor
50% intensity
Light feeding
25% intensity
Apply a balanced fertilizer once in early spring if needed
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Greater celandine prefers consistently moist soil, especially during dry periods. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly in winter when the plant's growth slows down.
Prune back leggy or overgrown plants in late spring or early summer to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Remove dead or spent flower stalks to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent self-seeding if desired.
It can be pruned hard after flowering.
Greater celandine is easily propagated by seeds sown in autumn or early spring. Division of established clumps in early spring or autumn is also an effective method.
The plant readily self-seeds, often establishing itself effectively.
Repotting is rarely necessary for this perennial, as it prefers to be undisturbed. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years in spring to refresh the soil.
Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Chelidonium |
| Species | Chelidonium majus |
Similar in genus Chelidonium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
