Ranunculus ficaria-Celandine Buttercup or Lesser Celandine

Propagating Ranunculus or buttercup Celandine is best divided in the fall when dormant, mark the spot to locate, because it grows by underground tubers and can be invasive if left to its own devices. They are deer resistant and tolerates summer heat but is not drought resistant. Blooms occur in March through June and varieties come in yellow, white or orange and the plant reaches a height of 2"-6" but will not take foot traffic. Normally the small blooms do not open before 9 A.M. and close after 5 P.M. and during rain showers. The plants leaves are purple-black and are a good contrasting plant to have along borders and are native to Europe and Asia.