Greater Celandine
Chelidonium majus
Family: Papaveraceae
What it is like
A small plant that grows for 2 or more years. It grows 90 cm high and spreads 50 cm wide. The stem is slender, smooth and swollen at the joints. It branches from the base. The leaf stems are brittle. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. The end leaflet often has 3 lobes. The flowers are golden-yellow. They are 25 mm wide and have 4 petals. They are in loose clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit are slender pod-like capsules. They are 5 cm long. The seeds are black and kidney shaped.
Probably as medicine only. It has proven anticancer properties There is only one Chelidonium species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It can grow in a range of soil types. It can grow in shade. It does best in rich moist soils and a sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost. It suits hardiness zones 6-9. Hobart Botanical Gardens 1. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Andorra, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Austria, Balkans, Belarus, Britain, Canada, Central America, China, Estonia, Europe (country/location of origin), Finland, Germany, Guatemala, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Mongolia, Morocco, North Africa, North America, Norway, Russia, Scandinavia, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Switzerland, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, USA
How it is used for food
CAUTION: The plant parts are poisonous and should only be used with caution. The leaves are thoroughly boiled with clean earth, allowed to stand overnight, then thoroughly washed in several changes of water and eaten with oil and salt.
Edible parts
Leaves, herb, caution
How it is grown
It is grown from seed which are sown where they are to grow.
Its other names
Local names
Erba di verouye, Kirlangicotu, Krvavi mlečnik, Swallow Wort