Celandine

At the moment the lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) flowers shine like gold on many verges and in woods. The low growing plant with shiny heart shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers which open in the sun is one of the first spring flowers. This flower looks as if it has been recently visited by insects according to the pollen grains on the anthers and petals. As it is invasive I must ensure that the tiny patch in my garden is kept under control.

It was William Wordsworth’s favourite flower and he wrote

There is a Flower, the lesser Celandine,
That shrinks, like many more, from cold and rain;
And, the first moment that the sun may shine,
Bright as the sun himself, 'tis out again!
and
Pansies, Lilies, Kingcups, Daisies,
Let them live upon their praises;
Long as there's a sun that sets
Primroses will have their glory;
Long as there are Violets,
They will have a place in story:
There's a flower that shall be mine,
'Tis the little Celandine.