Meadow buttercup - Ranunculus acris (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Meadow buttercup

Also known as: Tall buttercup, Meadowbloom

Meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris) is a flowering plant native to Europe. It has gained many nicknames related to its yellow flowers and ubiquity in meadow-like environments. Meadow buttercup is moderately toxic to both humans and livestock.

Scientific classification

Species

Meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris)

Buttercups, poppies and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Mid fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 1.1 m

Plant Height

10 cm to 50 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

1 cm to 2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Green

Fruit Color

Yellow

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Summer dormancy, Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

Images of Meadow buttercup

Distribution of Meadow buttercup

Distribution Map

Meadow buttercup is native to a wide range across Europe, from Greenland to eastern Russia. It is naturalized in much of North America, Australia, and Peru. In parts of US, it is considered a weed because of its invasive nature in stock grazing lands. Elsewhere, it is deemed desirable in the grassy areas where it thrives.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Damp meadows and pastures, rock ledges, gullies

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Meadow buttercup is a summer-flowering wildflower that can be planted in wildflower gardens and meadows. The eye-catching bold yellow of this tall wildflower can be used to break up tall grasses and naturalize boggy areas.

Symbolism

Riches

Interesting Facts

Many different indigenous North American tribes used this plant for medicinal purposes. Some smashed the flowers and sniffed them to relieve headache pain. Others made an infusion from the roots and used it to treat diarrhea. Still other tribes would grind the roots, steep the ground mixture, and apply it to abscesses and boils for relief.

Name Story

Crowfoot: The genus name, Ranunculus means "little frog" and it is most likely refers to the plant's affinity bogs and other moist places. The common name "crowfoot" refers to the resemblance of the leaf to the foot of a large bird.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Meadow buttercup, including the following common varieties :

Crowfoot 'Flore Pleno'

Toxicity

Meadow buttercup contains a toxic oil in its sap that can cause blistering, irritation and dermatitis upon handling or ingestion. The entire plant, especially leaves and stems, is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs and severely toxic to cats, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and potential neurological issues. Seek vet assistance promptly if symptoms escalate.

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Weed Control

Meadow buttercup is native to Greenland and possibly Alaska. It has spread throughout the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, and is listed as noxious by a few states and territories in North America. Meadow buttercup is toxic and can be a skin or digestive irritant. However, it has been planted purposely as an ornamental. It reproduces vigorously through seeds and rhizomes and can outcompete native plants in disturbed areas. Herbicides, cultivation, and revegetation with native species can effectively control meadow buttercup. Plowing and mowing are typically not effective.

How to Control It

The best time to control meadow buttercup or 'Crowfoot' is in spring, particularly early to late spring before the plant starts to flower. Here are some organic and interesting methods:

Hand Weeding: Pull the plant gently from the ground, ensuring root removal, which can be deeper than expected.
Solarization: Cover the affected ground with a clear plastic sheet to trap the sun's heat, which in turn will kill the plant over 2-3 months.
Smothering: Cover the plant using old carpet, cardboard, or black plastic sheet to block its sunlight. This method can take several weeks to months.
Biological Control: You can use goats or other livestock to graze down the plant. Just ensure they won't consume other desirable plants.
Vinegar method: Pour vinegar over the plant, concentrating it on the leaves and stems. Vinegar's acidic nature will speed up drying process, eventually killing the plant.

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Quickly Identify Meadow buttercup

Bright green leaves with serrated edges

Basal rosette growth

Yellow flowers with five glossy petals

Slender branching stems

Small green sepals below petals

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Care Guide for Meadow buttercup

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from moist meadows, meadow buttercup thrives in consistently moist soil and is moderately drought-tolerant. Water meadow buttercup weekly, particularly during its active growing season, to ensure adequate moisture for optimal growth and flowering.

Fertilize: Prior to planting meadow buttercup, incorporate 1/3 fully decomposed organic matter into the soil. Fertilize with diluted NPK during blooming and apply potassium/phosphorus fertilizer 1-2 times after flowering. Continue feeding until foliage yellowing indicates corm energy storage for future growth.

Pruning: Deadhead faded flowers on meadow buttercup to promote blooming. Cease watering when flowering stops and leaves yellow. For corms, cut the top, dig them out, treat with fungicide, and store in a cool, dry place. Hardy corms can stay in dry soil; reserve 3-5 flower buds for potted plants.

Propagation: Meadow buttercup propagates easily through Spring sowing, with successful propagation indicated by numerous seedlings. Ensuring consistently moist soil is crucial to enhance seed germination.

Repotting: Repot meadow buttercup every 2-3 years in spring for optimal growth. Use a container 1-2 inches larger, place in indirect light, and maintain consistent moisture to avoid waterlogging. Regular monitoring is essential to prevent stress and promote vigorous growth.

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Images of Meadow buttercup

Distribution of Meadow buttercup

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Meadow buttercup

Care Guide for Meadow buttercup

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