Leaf type: Pinnate, lobed, dissected
Phyllotaxis: Alternate
Colour: Green, silvery
Life cycle: Biennial to perennial
Leaf (upper side)
Habitus & biology
Chelidonium majus grows as a biennial to perennial, but does not grow very old. Depending on the location, greater celandine can reach heights of up to 70 centimetres. The orange-coloured sap is poisonous.
The pinnate leaves are covered with fine hairs on the undersides. The leaf stalks are also hairy. Leaves can be seen from spring until the first heavy frost and all year round in mild regions.
Distribution & habitates
Chelidonium majus is native to Eurasia and North Africa and as an introduced species to parts of North America and South America (source).
Celandine does best in semi-shady to partly sunny locations with evenly moist ground. It does not do well in sandy and drier soil. It grows on embankments, in front of bushes and hedges, in meadows, along roadsides and in parks and gardens.
Botany
Chelidonium majus belongs to the poppy family (Papaveraceae) and is the only member of the genus Chelidonium.
