Invasive Fig Buttercup

Fig Buttercup, also called Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna, formerly Ranunculus ficaria) is an early-blooming perennial that appears to be poised to be a terrible invasive in moist, nutrient-rich situations across eastern North America. In South Carolina, significant infestations have been found in Greenville and York Counties.We can be thankful that South Carolina’s regulatory officials have recognized its invasive behavior: Fig Buttercup is now illegal in the state! but the word is slow to get out. Many homeowners don’t yet know, and the naturalized plants themselves couldn’t care less….

Please spread the word, and be a citizen scientist!

SCNPS is requesting assistance in scouting urban waterways, so that emerging infestations can be documented, treated and monitored. Fig Buttercup is just now beginning to bloom, and in March and April its bright yellow flowers should be easy to spot.

The newly updated training video can be seen at