lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) observed in Rahway River, Cranford, NJ, US
iNaturalist: patpaulphoto
Summary
iNaturalistWhy it matters This matters because lesser celandine spreads aggressively through stream corridors and can take over your local park or garden in early spring before most native plants even emerge, forming dense mats that crowd out wildflowers like trout lily and spring beauty.
Lesser celandine is a pretty but problematic plant originally from Europe that has been spotted growing along the Rahway River in Cranford, New Jersey. It looks charming with its shiny yellow flowers in early spring, but it spreads fast and pushes out the native wildflowers that local wildlife depend on. Finding it here helps scientists and conservationists track where it's showing up so communities can respond before it takes over.
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A research-grade observation of lesser celandine, an invasive plant from Europe, has been recorded along the Rahway River in Cranford, NJ. This confirms the species' continued spread through riparian corridors in New Jersey.
Key Findings
A confirmed, research-grade observation of lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) was recorded at the Rahway River in Cranford, NJ.
The sighting occurs in a riparian (riverside) habitat, which is a known pathway for this invasive species to spread rapidly across landscapes.
The observation contributes citizen science data to the broader tracking of this invasive species' range expansion in the northeastern United States.
Abstract Preview
Research-grade observation of lesser celandine in Rahway River, Cranford, NJ, US.
open_in_new Read full abstract on iNaturalistAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
Species Mentioned
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Ficaria verna, commonly known as lesser celandine or pilewort, is a low-growing, hairless perennial flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. It has fleshy dark green, heart-shaped leaves and distinctive flowers with bright yellow, glossy petals. Native to Europe and Western Asia, it...