Greater celandine
Also known as
Tetterwort, Swallowwort, Wartwort, Yellow celandine
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
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Chelidonium majus, commonly known as greater celandine, is a short-lived perennial herb in the poppy family (Papaveraceae). It typically grows 30–90 cm tall with soft, blue-green, lobed leaves and hollow, brittle stems that exude an orange-yellow latex when cut. In spring to early summer, it bears clusters of bright yellow, four-petaled flowers, followed by slender capsules containing shiny black seeds with elaiosomes that attract ants for dispersal. Native to Europe and western Asia, it readily colonizes shaded, nutrient-rich, disturbed ground and is naturalized in many temperate regions worldwide. Historically used in folk medicine, all parts are toxic if ingested, and the sap can irritate skin and eyes. In gardens or containers it is typically grown as a self-seeding wildflower; cultivation is straightforward provided it has moisture-retentive soil and partial shade. It may die back in heat or drought and reflush in cooler, wetter conditions, and can become weedy if seed heads are not removed.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Greater celandine
Water
Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. In containers, water when the top 1–2 cm of mix feels dry, allowing excess to drain freely; do not let pots sit in saucers of water. In the ground, deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent shallow splashes. Plants tolerate brief dryness but may wilt or go semi-dormant in heat; resume regular watering to encourage regrowth. Reduce watering in winter or during natural dieback.
Light
Prefers partial shade to dappled light, similar to woodland margins—about 3–5 hours of gentle sun daily. It tolerates full sun in cool, moist climates if soil stays evenly moist, but benefits from midday/afternoon shade in warmer regions to prevent scorch and premature dieback. Indoors, place in bright, indirect light. Too little light leads to lanky, floppy growth; too much intense sun may cause leaf scorch.
Nutrients
Greater celandine is a light feeder. In the ground, compost worked into the topsoil in spring is usually sufficient. For container-grown plants, apply a balanced, dilute fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 at half strength) once in early spring and again after flowering if growth is weak. Avoid heavy nitrogen, which promotes lush, floppy growth and more self-seeding. Do not fertilize in winter or during heat-induced dormancy.
Temperature
Best growth occurs in cool to mild conditions, roughly 10–24°C. Fully hardy in temperate climates and tolerates substantial frosts once established, with roots surviving to about −20 to −25°C. In hot summers, plants may yellow or die back; provide shade and consistent moisture to mitigate stress. Indoors or in containers, keep above 5°C in winter, avoid hot, stagnant air, and protect from prolonged heat above 30°C.
