Invasive Yellow Weed Rapidly Spreading Across New York

Lesser celandine, a vibrant but aggressive plant, is overtaking yards and crowding out native flora across the state.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 11:00am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating grid of vibrant yellow lesser celandine flowers against a black background, conceptually representing the weed's aggressive takeover of local ecosystems.The invasive lesser celandine weed's bright yellow blooms may look beautiful, but its rapid spread threatens to overtake native plants across New York.NYC Today

As spring arrives in New York, an invasive weed known as lesser celandine is rapidly spreading across the state, particularly in Western New York. The bright yellow flowers may look harmless, but the plant is highly aggressive and can quickly choke out native wildflowers if not properly controlled. Experts warn that disturbing or mowing the weed can actually help it spread further, and the growing trend of 'No Mow May' may inadvertently allow the invasive species to proliferate.

Why it matters

The rapid spread of lesser celandine poses a threat to the local ecosystem, as the invasive plant can outcompete and displace native flora that are important for pollinators and the overall health of the environment. Homeowners and land managers will need to take proactive steps to identify and manage this weed before it becomes uncontrollable in many areas.

The details

Lesser celandine, also known as fig buttercup, is a perennial plant native to Europe that has become increasingly problematic in parts of the northeastern United States, including New York. The weed spreads aggressively through underground tubers, which can be easily disturbed and scattered by activities like mowing or digging. This allows the plant to rapidly colonize new areas, often outcompeting native wildflowers and ground cover. Experts advise against mowing or picking the weed, as this can actually accelerate its spread.

  • As spring arrives in New York, lesser celandine is beginning to emerge and spread rapidly across the state.
  • The first reported tornado sightings of the season occurred in Cattaraugus County, Western New York, in recent weeks.

The players

Clay Moden

A local resident who first noticed the invasive weed growing in his yard and wrote about his experience.

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What’s next

Homeowners and land managers will need to work quickly to identify and control the spread of lesser celandine before it becomes an unmanageable problem in their yards and local ecosystems. Contacting lawn care or landscaping experts may be advisable to determine the best organic or low-impact methods for removing and preventing the further spread of this invasive weed.

The takeaway

The rapid proliferation of lesser celandine across New York serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant about invasive species and taking proactive steps to protect native plant communities. As spring arrives, residents should be on the lookout for this vibrant but aggressive weed and take appropriate action to limit its spread before it can cause significant ecological damage.