Contents
Description
Chelidonium is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the poppy family. It is also known as greater celandine, swallowwort, or tetterwort. This plant is native to Europe and western Asia, but it has been naturalized in North America and other parts of the world. Chelidonium has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to ancient times. Its yellow-orange latex was used to treat various ailments, including skin diseases, warts, and digestive problems. Today, it is still used in herbal medicine as a natural remedy for liver and gallbladder disorders.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Papaverales |
| Family | Papaveraceae |
| Genus | Chelidonium |
Appearance
Chelidonium can grow up to 1 meter tall and has deeply lobed leaves that are bright green in color. The flowers are yellow and star-shaped, with four petals and numerous stamens. They bloom from May to August and are followed by elongated seed pods. The plant has a thick, yellow-orange latex that oozes from the stem and leaves when they are broken. This latex is toxic and can cause skin irritation, so it should be handled with care.
Care Guide
Chelidonium is an easy plant to grow and care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Chelidonium prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate some drought. Water it regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering.
- Fertilization: Feed Chelidonium with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer.
- Soil: Chelidonium prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Chelidonium prefers partial shade to full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: Chelidonium can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Chelidonium is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to the following:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. Use a miticide to control infestations.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots on the leaves. Remove affected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. Remove affected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
Habitat
Chelidonium grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, woodlands, and disturbed areas. It prefers moist soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun. It is commonly found along roadsides, in gardens, and in waste areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Chelidonium poisonous?
A: Yes, the plant has a toxic yellow-orange latex that can cause skin irritation.
Q: Can Chelidonium be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives enough sunlight.
Q: Can Chelidonium be used as a natural remedy?
A: Yes, Chelidonium has medicinal properties and has been used in herbal medicine for centuries to treat liver and gallbladder disorders.
Q: Does Chelidonium attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant’s yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Eschscholzia
- Papaver
- Argemone
References
- “Chelidonium.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 26 July 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f250>
- “Greater Celandine.” The Herb Society of America. Accessed 26 July 2021. <https://www.herbsociety.org/learn/herb-of-the-month/greater-celandine/>
- “Chelidonium majus.” Plants for a Future. Accessed 26 July 2021. <https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Chelidonium+majus>
