Lesser celandine

Today's the day ……………………. for a 'noxious weed'

This lovely little plant, commonly known as lesser celandine or pilewort is a low-growing, hairless perennial of the buttercup family, native to Europe and west Asia. It has fleshy dark green, heart-shaped leaves and distinctive flowers with bright yellow, glossy petals.

Apparently however, (according to Wikipedia) it is poisonous if ingested raw and potentially fatal to grazing animals and livestock such as horses, cattle, and sheep.  It is considered to be an invasive species in gardens - and for these reasons, several US states have banned the plant or listed it as a noxious weed.

Who would have thought that?  There were lots of it about where we were today - and it looked absolutely delightful in the spring sunshine...……………….