Greater Celandine
Chelidonium majusfam. Papaveraceae
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Pl. 6141 — Chelidonium majus
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IOverview
Overview
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus) is a perennial plant native to regions across Europe and Asia, including Albania, Algeria, Austria, and various other countries listed in the data. This hardy species thrives in moist soils of light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) texture, with a growing range from USDA zones 5-8. Known for its edible leaves and documented medicinal uses, Greater Celandine can tolerate both full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable to various environments. Its distinctive yellow flowers and bright orange sap are notable features that set it apart in botanical gardens or natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Greater Celandine?
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus) is a perennial plant native to regions across Europe and Asia, including Albania, Algeria, Austria, and various other countries listed in the data. This hardy species thrives in moist soils of light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) texture, with a growing range from USDA zones 5-8.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Stomach Comfort
digestiontincture
Traditional use for digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Greater Celandine thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-8 and grows as a perennial, reaching up to 0.5 meters tall. Propagate through seeds or division of the roots. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Greater Celandine for the first time
7steps
Start with planting Greater Celandine in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a garden fork, compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds in spring after the last frost or transplant young plants in early summer.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with light to partial shade. Amend soil with compost for rich nutrients.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, spaced 30-45 cm apart. Transplant young plants in the garden or containers.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist and mulch lightly to retain moisture. Watch for signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to maintain plant health and appearance.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oilGround cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe14 regions
native (14)AustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPortugalRussiaSpain
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaIranKazakhstan
Africa1 region
native (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Irkutsk, Amur, Altay, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Papaveraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Papaveraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 6141602e-ce7f-47a4-b5f0-97868010896c
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