Lesser Celandine Research Paper

Lesser celandine is an important invasive species to north east Ohio as it has become widespread throughout the forests promoting a decline in plant diversity. A proper method for control of lesser celandine has not yet been established and therefore it is crucial that a proper growing method is established to allow further research on the plant. This paper will elaborate on a plausible method for growing lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) in a laboratory environment. Throughout the introduction, a proper in depth explanation of what invasive species are and the known aspects of lesser celandine will be discussed. For the experiment, we used controlled lighting, soil, pots, and water reception, but the plants were divided by temperature (13 *C

It is a short-day plant and tends to flower and bear fruit earlier in spring than most native species and this allows it to grow better with little to no competition (Huebner et al., 2006; Axtell et al., 2010; Kertabad et al., 2013). When lesser celandine grows, it tends to form in patches of green marsh that inhibit the growth of native plant species and shortly after these green marshes form it drops green sepals exposing bright yellow flowers (Axtell et al., 2010; Kertabad et al., 2013). The flowering process of lesser celandine is controlled by a few indication variables such as; water availability, light reception, and temperature (Axtell et al., 2010). It is an unusual plant when it comes to reproduction as it is a dicotyledon, but it only produces monocotyledon seedlings (Kertabad et al., 2013). Lesser celandine may use aerial bulblets for reproduction, but it primarily reproduces through subterranean bulblets or tubers (Axtell et al.,2010; Kertabad et al., 2013). The bulblets then become dormant throughout the summer with germination beginning late in the winter and the plant can be seen sprouting early in spring (Axtell et al., 2010; Kertabad et al., 2013). Lesser celandine plants are capable of surviving for a few years as they are perennial (Axtell et al., 2010; Kertabad et al.,