What’s Out Now? Le Ficaire: Lesser Celandine

This is a beguiling tender plant that is up now. LC has many strategies for success, it is out so early before everyone else and can soon crowd out other spring woodland plants. LC also spreads during floods; all that is needed is for a tiny tuber to break off and wash down stream, soon forming another colony on another streambank.

Needs to be harvested before flowering as it will become acrid and somewhat toxic when it flowers.

The tubers are small but tasty when quickly stir fried. The leaves and stems are fresh and mild and tender, like a microgreen endive…and because of its invasive nature, ultimately sustainable.

We have been longing for something fresh and green and are enjoying this taste of spring salad:

Ingredients

• 1 cup lesser celandine (young stems and leaves)

• 1 cup (or less) coarsely chopped raw swiss chard

• 2 tablespoons whole/coarse grain mustard

• 1 tablespoon agave syrup

• 1 tablespoon red wine/sherry vinegar

• slivered almonds

• dash of black pepper and cayenne pepper

Steps

1. Wash and rinse the greens thoroughly

2. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing

3. Add the dressing to the greens and toss with slivered almonds.