An invasive plant originating from Europe is rapidly encroaching upon Michigan’s forests, posing a severe threat to the state’s native wildflowers, depriving indigenous insects of sustenance, and causing erosion along river banks.
The relentless expansion of this plant, identified as lesser celandine, across lower Michigan presents a significant danger to cherished spring blossoms such as trilliums, bloodroot, and bluebells.
Despite its detrimental impact, lesser celandine remains unregulated within Michigan’s borders, allowing for its legal purchase and sale.
Calls from advocates urging the state to prohibit the plant have intensified, particularly as a small faction in mid-Michigan scrambles to contain an outbreak spreading within the Grand River watershed.
The endeavor to control lesser celandine proves challenging, as the plant, belonging to the buttercup family, boasts three distinct methods of reproduction, facilitating rapid colonization of entire forested areas. Furthermore, the application of herbicides is limited to a brief window during early spring.
Belying its appealing appearance with glossy green leaves and delicate yellow flowers, lesser celandine’s invasive nature becomes apparent once it establishes itself. Rachel Cuschieri-Murray, Executive Director of the Eaton Conservation District, remarked, “it just smothers everything out,” underscoring the urgency of addressing its spread.