Plant to Spot
We have two plants this month Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) and Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna/Ranunculus ficaria) Both are members of the Ranunculaceae family. When two plants are in the same family you can assume they are related in some way (usually morphologically or genetically). Some consider these plants similar in appearance.
 
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) or Lus buí Bealtaine is a hairless plant with thick fleshy stems and leaves. The leaves are triangular, or kidney shaped, and the flowers are a bright golden yellow colour between 2-5 cm across. This plant is found in marshy places, river backs, ditches and on wet grassland. It is a symbol of May (see Irish name). It is another plant that was once associated with farming, specifically with the protection of cattle. Shakespeare has referenced the flower many times.

 “Hark, hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings” By William Shakespeare (from Cymbeline)
Hark, hark! the lark at heaven's gate sings,
And Phoebus 'gins arise,
His steeds to water at those springs
On chaliced flowers that lies;
And winking Mary-buds begin
To ope their golden eyes:
With every thing that pretty is,
My lady sweet, arise:
Arise, arise.

Marsh marigold is part of the Farmers Wildlife Calendar - Climate Tracker. The first time you see this plant in flower please take a picture and let us know: https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/projects/additional-survey-schemes/farmers-wildlife-calendar-climate-tracker/.
 
Lesser celandine (Ficaria verna/Ranunculus ficaria) or Grán Arcáin is slightly smaller than marsh marigold. It is hairless with heart shaped or nearly round leaves. The flowers are smaller, 1.5-3 cm across. This plant is found in damp shady places. It is also called pilewort which comes from the small tubers (very small potatoes) produced underground (they resemble piles) (Mac Coitir, 2018).