K E N T U C K Y’S LEAST WANTED! P L A N T 2 0 1 1 BOGGS BOGGS

OE OE J J LESSER CELANDINE Ranunculus ficaria Lesser celandine, also known as Fig- The is in the buttercup family, with lesser celandine across forest floors and root buttercup (Ranunculus ficaria) is flowers that are bright golden yellow lawns. These monocultures can displace a perennial spring- that with slightly darker centers. The plant native , contributing to the loss of was introduced to North America from is becoming common in shady moist biodiversity. Control is difficult due to Europe for ornamental use. Its glossy woodlands and lawns in Kentucky. Each prolific bulblet and tuber production and dark green grow low to the plant produces abundant root tubers its brief period of above-ground growth. ground and are kidney- to heart-shaped. and bulblets, leading to a thick carpet of NATIVE ALTERNATIVES Y K ENTUC K OG

NYSTROM UNIVERSITY

, OR L ROBIN TAY

BARNES

VIN L E TOM CELAND I N E P O P P Y K (Stylophorum diphyllum), also known as L o b ed T i ckseed G R E E N & G O L D the wood poppy, is a herbaceous perennial ( auriculata) is a hardy low-growing or goldenstar (Chrysogonum virginianum), is native to forests in the eastern U.S. Growing coreopsis with hairy stems and foliage that a herbaceous plant in the sunflower family. to a height of 12-18 inches, it produces persists through most of the winter. From April It has opposite, softly hairy, triangular to showy flowers in mid to late spring that are through May small bright yellow, daisy-like ovate leaves on long petioles. Leaves are 2 inches wide with four large yellow . flowers are produced, and the plant may 1 to 3 inches long and wide. The plant can The deeply lobed leaves are bluish-green, sporadically bloom afterwards until frost. reach 18 inches in height, but may flower providing a nice contrast to the flowers. It This coreopsis is unique in its small, compact at 2 inches tall. The flower heads are 2-2 ½ adapts easily to garden settings with full habit; growing only 4-24 inches high. Plants inches across and contrast strongly with the to partial shade and moist, rich soil. The spread to form colonies via rhizomes and dark green leaves, hence the name. Green bloom time can be prolonged by planting in seed, which makes this a great to use and gold grows in light to moderate shade in partial sun and deadheading. It can spread en masse or for naturalizing. average soil producing a thick ground cover naturally through an underground rhizome once established. It is relatively free of pests, and the ability to self-seed, making it a nice but may be nibbled on by various insects. addition to a woodland garden or border.

To heighten awareness of invasive plants that threaten Kentucky’s Least Wanted Program is sponsored by: Kentucky’s native biodiversity, a Least Wanted plant will be featured in the Spring of each year with suggested alternatives.

Promoting alternatives to invasive landscape plants