Are Celandines Edible? A Guide to Greater and Lesser Celandine

November 21, 2025 •

3 min read

Most people don't realize that the common term "celandine" refers to two distinct plants with very different properties. While one, lesser celandine, can be prepared for consumption under strict conditions, the other, greater celandine, is highly poisonous.

Quick Summary

The edibility of celandine depends entirely on the species. Greater celandine is toxic, but the young leaves and roots of lesser celandine can be safely eaten after proper cooking and before the plant flowers.

Key Points

Greater Celandine is Toxic: All parts of Chelidonium majus are poisonous and can cause severe liver damage if ingested, so it is never edible.
Lesser Celandine is Conditionally Edible: Young leaves and roots of Ficaria verna are edible only when cooked or dried before the plant flowers.
Heat Neutralizes Toxin: The toxic compound protoanemonin found in lesser celandine is destroyed by heating or drying the plant.
Identification is Critical: Due to the existence of both toxic and conditionally edible varieties, accurate identification is essential for safe foraging.
Caution with Contact: Lesser celandine can cause contact dermatitis in some people, so handling it carefully is advised.
Avoid Raw Consumption: Neither greater nor lesser celandine should ever be eaten raw, as the latter contains toxins until cooked.
Adhere to Foraging Safety: When in doubt about any wild plant's identity or safety, always refrain from consumption.

A Critical Look at Celandine Species

Before attempting to forage any plant, especially one with a deceptive name like celandine, it is essential to understand the vast differences between the two species commonly referred to as celandines. Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) and lesser celandine (Ficaria verna or Ranunculus ficaria) are not related, belong to different plant families, and have completely different safety profiles. A forager's lack of knowledge could have serious health consequences, making accurate identification non-negotiable.

The Dangers of Greater Celandine

Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus), also known as swallow wort or the celandine poppy, is a member of the poppy family (Papaveraceae). It is not edible. All parts of this plant contain alkaloids that are highly toxic if ingested. The plant's distinctive orange-yellow sap is an irritant to both skin and eyes. The sap has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes, but internal consumption is extremely dangerous and can cause severe liver damage. Cases of acute hepatitis have been linked to ingesting greater celandine, making its use in food or herbal medicine highly inadvisable.

Key characteristics of greater celandine include:

Sap: A milky, orange-yellow sap that secretes when the stem or leaves are broken.
Flowers: Small, yellow flowers with four petals.
Leaves: Alternate, deeply lobed, and somewhat hairy.
Family: Poppy family (Papaveraceae).

The Conditional Edibility of Lesser Celandine

Lesser celandine (Ficaria verna), a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), has a more complex story. The young leaves and roots of this plant were historically consumed, particularly in spring, but with a critical caveat: it must be cooked or dried before consumption. The fresh plant contains the toxic compound protoanemonin, which can cause blistering and gastrointestinal upset. However, this toxin is destroyed when the plant is cooked or dried. As the plant matures and flowers, the concentration of this toxin increases, making it unsuitable for consumption.

Foragers interested in lesser celandine must adhere to strict safety measures:

Only harvest young leaves before the plant flowers.
Always cook or thoroughly dry the plant to neutralize the protoanemonin toxin.
Be aware that it can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals, so handle with care.
Roots (tubers) can also be cooked as a starchy vegetable.

Comparison: Greater vs. Lesser Celandine


Feature	Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus)	Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna)
Edibility	Not edible; highly toxic if ingested.	Conditionally edible; only young leaves/roots are safe after cooking.
Toxin	Various alkaloids; poses risk of liver damage internally.	Protoanemonin, neutralized by heat.
Plant Family	Poppy family (Papaveraceae).	Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae).
Sap	Orange-yellow, skin irritant.	Milky, watery; contains toxin.
Flowers	Four yellow petals.	8 to 12 glossy, yellow petals.
Timing	Blooms later than lesser celandine.	Early spring bloomer; becomes more toxic as it flowers.

Safe Foraging Practices

Given the significant dangers associated with misidentification, wild plant foragers must prioritize safety. The simple rule of thumb for any unfamiliar plant is: If in doubt, leave it out. This is particularly true for plants like celandine, where two species with the same common name have drastically different toxicity levels. If you are not 100% certain of the identification, avoid it entirely. Always consult multiple reputable sources, and consider joining an experienced foraging group to learn firsthand from experts. For reliable information on edible wild plants, a resource like Eatweeds can be invaluable.

Conclusion: A Clear Verdict on Celandine Edibility

The verdict on whether celandines are edible is nuanced and depends entirely on the species. Greater celandine is unequivocally poisonous and should never be consumed under any circumstances. Lesser celandine, however, presents a more complex case, with its young parts being edible only when cooked and before flowering begins. The risk of misidentifying the two, combined with the presence of other toxic buttercup relatives, means that only seasoned foragers with a high degree of confidence should even consider harvesting lesser celandine. For most, it is safer to admire these early spring blooms from a distance and leave wild foraging to the experts.

Sources for Further Information

Here are some resources that provide additional details on greater and lesser celandine, including identification and safety warnings:

RHS Gardening: https://www.rhs.org.uk/weeds/greater-celandine
Wisconsin DNR: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/fact/Celandine
Herbal Reality: https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/greater-celandine/
NCBI Bookshelf: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548684/
Eatweeds: https://www.eatweeds.co.uk/lesser-celandine-ficaria-verna

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but only under specific conditions. The young leaves and roots of lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) are edible only after being thoroughly cooked or dried and harvested before the plant flowers. Raw lesser celandine is poisonous.

Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) contains toxic alkaloids in all of its parts, including its characteristic orange-yellow sap. Internal consumption can lead to severe liver injury and is highly discouraged.

The easiest way to distinguish them is by their flowers and sap. Greater celandine has four-petaled flowers and an orange-yellow sap, while lesser celandine has 8 to 12 petals and a clear or watery sap. They also belong to different plant families.

Historically, lesser celandine was used as a folk remedy for various ailments, but these claims are not backed by sufficient scientific evidence. Given its toxicity when raw, it should not be used medicinally without expert consultation.

Ingesting raw lesser celandine can cause gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, due to the presence of protoanemonin, an irritating toxic compound.

While lesser celandine can be confused with other, more toxic buttercups, it is safer to focus on clear, unambiguous identification rather than relying on look-alikes. When foraging, always follow the rule: 'When in doubt, leave it out'.

Handle both celandine species with caution. The sap of greater celandine is a known skin irritant, and lesser celandine can also cause contact dermatitis in some people.