Celandine (Chelidonium majus ) (European), is 
abundant almost everywhere in the eastern half of our 
country. 
The stem is quite stout and very branching; at the 
end of each branch is a loose cluster of buds on slender 
pedicels. These open one or two at a time, so that the 
plant keeps in bloom for a long time; in fact, the llow- 
ering season extends from early in May to the end of 
September. The flowers are half an inch or more broad, 
with four golden-yellow petals, a slender, pointed green 
pistil and numerous yellow stamens. The seed-pod is 
long and slender. 
The thin, soft leaves are very handsomely divided 
into three to seven, lobed leaflets. Both stem and leaves 
have a bright yellow, very acrid juice, that stains every¬ 
thing it comes in contact with. Celandine is often 
known in Europe as “Swallow-wort” as it is supposed 
to commence flowering with the coming of the swallows 
and to cease with their departure. Its generic name 
also originated in this belief. 
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