Is Lesser Celandine creeping into your yard?
ListenMay 7, 2011 — Lesser Celandine is a tenacious plant whose pretty flowers vex many gardeners. Mike McGrath explains your options when this spring bloomer moves in. Plus Girl Scouts green up National Parks and your fabulous phone calls!
[audio: garden20110507.mp3]We are in the process of restoring a Lehigh River bank with native plants. But the over 2000 beautiful spring natives we’ve put in are being choked by a thick blanket of lesser celandine that flourishes during the peak bloom of such natives as Dutchman’s Breeches, Virginia Bluebells, Trillium and Trout Lilies. It was recommended that we use Roundup in February before the natives come up. I understand that the glyphosate in the Roundup is not severely evil. However the size of our area would require a major grant to purchase the amount we’d need. Pulling is tricky as the celandine produces little tubers along their roots that can stay behind. What are your thoughts on this? Literally hundreds of acres are affected. Get the answer »
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.