Kevätporanteri

Kevätporanteri, scientifically known as *Ranunculus ficaria* or now often classified as *Ficaria verna*, is a common spring-blooming perennial plant. It is a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. The plant is characterized by its glossy, dark green, kidney-shaped leaves that often emerge directly from the ground. It produces bright yellow, star-shaped flowers with typically eight petals, though the number can vary. These flowers appear in early spring, often before many other plants have fully emerged, making it a notable sight in woodlands, meadows, and gardens.

The common name "kevätporanteri" translates roughly to "spring buttercup," reflecting its season of bloom and its family affiliation. Another common English name is lesser celandine. This plant is known for its rapid spread and can become quite abundant in suitable conditions. It reproduces both by seed and by small bulbils, known as tubers, that form in the leaf axils. These tubers aid in its vegetative propagation.

Kevätporanteri prefers moist, shady to partially shaded environments. It is often found growing along stream banks, in hedgerows, and in damp woodland clearings. While attractive in its early bloom, it can also be considered an invasive weed in some regions due to its aggressive growth habit and ability to outcompete native flora. The plant contains protoanemonin, a toxic compound that can cause irritation upon contact with skin, and is also poisonous if ingested. However, historically, in some cultures, it has been used in traditional medicine, though this practice is now largely discouraged due to its toxicity. The plant typically dies back by late spring or early summer, after flowering and setting seed.