Chelidonium majus
Family: Papaveraceae
Potentially TOXIC
Herbaceous perennial, self-seeding. Native to Europe and temperate
Asia. Do not nibble on this attractively flowered and appetizing
looking plant! Acrid yellow/orange latex, most concentrated in
root, used topically against warts (contains the anti-mitotic sanguinarine,
which is the same alkaloid as is found in Bloodroot, combined with proteolytic
enzymes which digest the wart). Used as a penetrating alterative
ingredient in hand and foot baths. Cultivation: Extra
care. Sow in greenhouse in early spring or scatter seed in a shady
bed near house or fence. Germinates best in shaded areas and is very
slow to germinate. Transplant seedlings 18 inches apart. Flowers
1 to 2 feet tall. Grows best during the cool weather of early spring
and fall. Prefers partial shade.
Return
to Herb Seed Index