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, 29 Jan
I mentioned ‘the first signs of spring’ last week and as I write this
piece Ireland is in a winter weather advisory for ice and snow so maybe
I was a little early to mention spring!
While gorse is already in bloom it is not the only wild plant that you
can expect to find in bloom this week. Lesser Celandine (Grán arcáin as
Gaeilge) is another example of an earlier native wild plant that blooms
at this time of year.
According to the Wild Flowers of Ireland website, Lesser Celandine can
be found in bloom as early as December through to May, so you have
plenty of opportunity to discover this wild plant in your community
over the coming weeks and months.
If you decide to have a look in your community for Lesser Celandine try
under hedgerows, or woody areas or along the banks of your local river
or canal.
Lesser Celandine is a hairless plant, the leaves are heart shaped
glossy and dark green. The flowers are bright yellow, star shaped and
open on bright days but will also close on duller days.
It is believed that some flowers open and close reacting to changes in
light intensity to help their chances of being pollinated.
As it is an early flowering plant and unlike Gorse which had a pea
shaped flower that was difficult for invertebrates to access the
nectar, Lesser Celandine is more accessible and as a result it is
considered an important early source of nectar for invertebrates
including bumblebees.
Its leaves are a source of Vitamin C and it is said this is why it is
also known as Scurvywort.
If you don’t find the bright yellow flower of Lesser Celandine in your
community this week don’t forget to keep a watch for their distinctive
heart shaped leaves.
Other signs of spring to begin to watch for in your own garden will be
the emergence of the leaves of ornamental bulbs that you planted last
autumn including Crocus, Snowdrop and Daffodil.
If you spot a local wildlife species and would like to learn more send
your wildlife image to bogs@.ipcc.ie.