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Greater creeping spearwort

How to identify Greater creeping spearwort (Ranunculus flammula)

Greater creeping spearwort, also known as Spearwort

Greater creeping spearwort displays a low-growing, sprawling habit with stems that root at the nodes, forming dense mats. The plant bears cheery yellow flowers, typically with 5 egg-shaped petals, although the number can vary from 4 to 11. Each bloom, reaching up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, features a multitude of bright yellow stamens encircling green styles. Sepals spread beneath the petals, with some exhibiting fine hairs. These flowers are perched on slender, upright stalks, contributing to the plant’s delicate appearance.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Greater creeping spearwort

1

Low-growing habit forming dense mats

2

Bright yellow flowers with 5 egg-shaped petals

3

Flowers have bright yellow stamens encircling green styles

4

Leaves are dark green, oval-shaped, and semi-prostrate

5

Stems are slender, reddish, and can root at the nodes

Greater creeping spearwortGreater creeping spearwortGreater creeping spearwortGreater creeping spearwortGreater creeping spearwort

Detailed Traits of Greater creeping spearwort

Leaf Features

Greater creeping spearwort's dark green leaves are oval-shaped and semi-prostrate, typically measuring 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in length. The leaf surface is generally smooth but can also be covered with fine hairs (pubescent). These leaves also exhibit a prominent central vein with finer secondary veins spreading outwards. The leaf edges are usually smooth, and the leaves sit low to the ground, aiding in the plant's overall spreading growth habit.

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Flower Features

The flowers of greater creeping spearwort are small, bright yellow blossoms up to 1/3 inch (8 mm) in diameter. Each solitary flower stands on a slender stalk measuring 2-3 inches (5-8 cm). The flowers typically exhibit 5 egg-shaped petals, although some may have as few as 4 or as many as 11. At the center, numerous yellow stamens encircle the green styles. These key characteristics, including color, petal number, and central stamens, make the flowers distinctive.

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Stem Features

The stems of greater creeping spearwort are slender, reddish, and can extend up to 16 inches (40 cm) in length. These stems creep along the ground, exhibiting a prostrate growth habit. They are smooth in texture and generally thin, approximately 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2.5 to 5 mm) in diameter. The stems often root at the nodes, contributing to the plant's spreading capability. Sparse branching occurs along the length, with nodes forming at intervals.

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Key Facts About Greater creeping spearwort

Attributes of Greater creeping spearwort
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
2.5 cm to 25 cm
Spread
30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Yellow
Fruit Color
Brown
Copper
The Toxicity of Greater creeping spearwort
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Scientific Classification of Greater creeping spearwort

Family
Buttercup
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Species
Greater creeping spearwort (Ranunculus flammula)
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Distribution Map of Greater creeping spearwort

Greater creeping spearwort exhibits a natural range that spans across temperate and boreal regions of Eurasia, from the western Mediterranean to Siberia, and across notable parts of the British Isles and the European continent. The plant has been introduced and established in the temperate zones of Australasia. Greater creeping spearwort is also cultivated in various regions beyond its native habitat.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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