MICHIGAN LESSER
CELANDINE COALITION
What is Lesser Celandine?
Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna) is a perennial ground-covering plant native to northern Europe, newly found to be invasive in the Great Lakes region. Lesser Celandine forms a dense mat in the early spring, outcompeting native ephemeral species, many of which are already threatened. It can be identified by its small (1-4 cm), lobed leaves growing in clusters with 7-12 petaled, glossy, yellow inflorescences (2-5 cm). After blooming, it forms clusters of small bulblets and tubers which spread and easily propagate if disturbed.
Why should I care?
The first documented sighting of Lesser Celandine in Michigan was in Clinton County in 2014. Since then, it has established in the headwaters of the Grand River and is rapidly traveling downstream to Lake Michigan. Blooming in early spring, Lesser Celandine chokes out native spring ephemeral species and destabilizes river shorelines. If we do nothing, the Grand River as we know it could be changed forever.
How can I help?
Reporting is the most beneficial to our work. The Michigan Lesser Celandine Coalition is a collaborative of multiple conservation districts, CISMA’s, parks departments, and more that are coordinating surveys and targeted strikes along the Grand River. If you see it, report it on the Michigan Invasive Species Invasive Network (MISIN). This helps us know which areas are affected and how best to allocate resources.
Want to learn more?
Educate yourself with some of our resources and always feel free to reach out to learn more!
Check us out at the Wildflowers Association of Michigan Conference on
March 2, 2025! The MLCC is giving a presentation about Lesser Celandine as the keynote speaker!
Upcoming Pesticide Applicator Training
November 6, 2024
4-5pm
Michigan Nurseries and Landscape Association
Fall Pesticide Credit Class
Ann Arbor, MI
November 11, 2024
4-5pm
Michigan Nurseries and Landscape Association
Fall Pesticide Credit Class
East Lansing, MI
January 24, 2025
11:20am - 12pm
Stewardship Network 2025
2025 Kellogg Center, MSU
East Lansing, MI
March 11, 2025
6:30-8pm
Red Cedar Fly Fishers Club & Trout Unlimited Club
Okemos, MI
January 8, 2025
11am
Michigan Turfgrass Foundation
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Mt. Pleasant, MI
February 20, 2025
TBD
Saginaw Valley Nursery and Landscape Association
Annual Short Course
Bavarian Inn Lodge & Conference Center
One Covered Bridge Lane, Frankenmuth MI
March 19, 2025
9am
DNR “Not MI Species” Webinar
January 23, 2025
12pm
Michigan Nurseries and Landscape Association
Great Lakes Trade Expo
DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI
March 3, 2025
12:30-1:30pm
MNLA Pesticide Winter Series
Clinton Township, MI
March 27, 2025
9am
DNR “Not MI Species” Webinar