Chelidonium asiaticum
Chelidonium asiaticum
Synonyms: Chelidonium majus subsp. asiaticum, Chelidonium majus var. asiaticum, Chelidonium majus var. hirsutum
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Chelidonium asiaticum is a herbaceous perennial of the Papaveraceae closely related to the European greater celandine (C. majus), distinguished mainly by leaf and capsule details and now treated as a distinct species native to eastern Asia, including parts of China, the Russian Far East, Korea, and Japan. It grows to 30-80 cm tall from a short, stout rhizome and yellow taproot, producing erect, sparsely hairy, hollow stems that exude a bright orange-yellow latex when broken. The pinnately or deeply lobed alternate leaves are glaucous below and have rounded, crenate lobes. Bright yellow four-petaled flowers about 1.5-2 cm across are borne in long-pedicelled umbel-like cymes in spring and summer, followed by slender, linear capsules 3-5 cm long that split from the base to release small black seeds bearing a white elaiosome that promotes ant dispersal.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.