Lesser Celadine Removal - Ask Extension
How do I eradicate or control lesser Celadine? It has taken over my backyard and I know it is a pretty pernicious invasive.
Knowledgebase
Lesser Celadine Removal #864419
Asked April 13, 2024, 6:13 PM EDT
How do I eradicate or control lesser Celadine? It has taken over my backyard and I know it is a pretty pernicious invasive.
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
Lesser celandine is difficult to eradicate. This invasive plant has a perennial life cycle but is considered a “spring ephemeral” owing to its "now you see it, now you don’t" behavior. The vast majority of the year is spent as tubers concealed in the soil out of sight, out of mind. When spring rolls around, plants spring forth rapidly to complete the above-ground portion of the life cycle.
As for eradicating this plant, some have found success with applications of glyphosate very early in the spring. NOTE: The original active ingredient in Roundup was glyphosate. Indeed, the two became synonymous. However, Roundup products now contain a wide range of active ingredients with some not containing glyphosate. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide meaning it kills a wide range of plants, i.e., your grass. Some Roundup products now have selective herbicides meaning they will only kill certain plants. However, the active ingredient(s) may not be safe to use around certain plants. For example, triclopyr is a selective herbicide that does not kill grass, but it is not safe to apply beneath trees or other woody ornamentals. This is why it’s critical to read and follow product label directions!
Successful elimination of infestations in turfgrass is sometimes possible through a combination of mowing and applications of selective post-emergent herbicides labeled for use on turfgrass.
Small clumps of celandine can be dug by hand, by digging up the plants and carefully removing all plant material including bulbils and tubers. Larger infestations are much more difficult to remove. Most authorities recommend treatment with an
herbicide after leaves mature but before flowering begins, in early spring. This method is complicated by the plant’s common location near water; make sure any herbicide used is safe for use near water and allowed in your state. The rosettes are discrete and can be difficult to locate. Removing the flowers prior to seed set may help in preventing the spread.
Turfgrass herbicides reported to be effective against lesser
celandine include products that include 2,4-D, MCPA, MCPP, dicamba, and triclopyr. It is generally recommended to use products that contain at least 2 of these herbicides. Of course, as with making any herbicide application, it is imperative that you read and follow all label directions carefully. This is particularly important when using turfgrass herbicides near trees, other woody ornamentals, herbaceous perennials, and annuals.
Research shows that heavy infestations of celandine are unlikely to be suppressed in one season with a single application of any chemical. Thus, it’s important to identify developing colonies early and to act before infestations become dense.
Good luck.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/lesser_celandine_an_attractive_spring_weed_that_spreads_with_a_vengeance
As for eradicating this plant, some have found success with applications of glyphosate very early in the spring. NOTE: The original active ingredient in Roundup was glyphosate. Indeed, the two became synonymous. However, Roundup products now contain a wide range of active ingredients with some not containing glyphosate. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide meaning it kills a wide range of plants, i.e., your grass. Some Roundup products now have selective herbicides meaning they will only kill certain plants. However, the active ingredient(s) may not be safe to use around certain plants. For example, triclopyr is a selective herbicide that does not kill grass, but it is not safe to apply beneath trees or other woody ornamentals. This is why it’s critical to read and follow product label directions!
Successful elimination of infestations in turfgrass is sometimes possible through a combination of mowing and applications of selective post-emergent herbicides labeled for use on turfgrass.
Small clumps of celandine can be dug by hand, by digging up the plants and carefully removing all plant material including bulbils and tubers. Larger infestations are much more difficult to remove. Most authorities recommend treatment with an
herbicide after leaves mature but before flowering begins, in early spring. This method is complicated by the plant’s common location near water; make sure any herbicide used is safe for use near water and allowed in your state. The rosettes are discrete and can be difficult to locate. Removing the flowers prior to seed set may help in preventing the spread.
Turfgrass herbicides reported to be effective against lesser
celandine include products that include 2,4-D, MCPA, MCPP, dicamba, and triclopyr. It is generally recommended to use products that contain at least 2 of these herbicides. Of course, as with making any herbicide application, it is imperative that you read and follow all label directions carefully. This is particularly important when using turfgrass herbicides near trees, other woody ornamentals, herbaceous perennials, and annuals.
Research shows that heavy infestations of celandine are unlikely to be suppressed in one season with a single application of any chemical. Thus, it’s important to identify developing colonies early and to act before infestations become dense.
Good luck.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/lesser_celandine_an_attractive_spring_weed_that_spreads_with_a_vengeance
Oops....please check the link at the very bottom of my message. I forgot it was waaaay at the bottom. Didn't want you to overlook it.
