Patches can be removed by hand, but care must be made to ensure the tubers and bulblets are not left in the ground or accidentally spread elsewhere. Some varieties are still sold in many states, but it is illegal to move or sell any variety of Ficaria verna in South Carolina.įig buttercup thrives in moist areas, such as along streams, rivers, and ponds, and in low spots in natural areas.īecause of the short growing season and propensity to grow in moist/wet areas, control can be tricky. Like many invasive plants, fig buttercup was initially promoted as a landscape plant, but it escaped cultivation. These underground structures can help the plant withstand periods of drought or poor growing conditions and they are also spread when soil is disturbed. The roots consist of thick tubers and bulblets, each of which can produce a new plant (Fig. 3) are toxic if eaten, and may cause vomiting, nausea, or dizziness. It can grow in incredibly thick patches, take over entire areas, and crowd out native spring ephemerals (Fig. This spring ephemeral grows and blooms early in the spring, which helps it get established in natural areas and gives it a competitive advantage over native plants.

Great for the landscape? No check! The fig buttercup, also known as the lesser celandine or pilewort, is a non-native plant from Europe and Northern Africa that has the potential to become a very bad invasive species in South Carolina.

Buttercup weed in lawn