Creeping buttercup - Ranunculus repens (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Control)

Creeping buttercup

Also known as: Creeping crowfoot

While originally used as an ornamental plant around the world, the creeping buttercup is now considered invasive in many places. Distribution usually occurs through the transportation of hay, making control difficult. The creeping buttercup is considered poisonous and can cause skin blistering.

Scientific classification

Species

Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens)

Buttercups, poppies and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

10 cm to 60 cm

Plant Height

1 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

1.5 cm to 3 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Black

Fruit Color

Yellow

Flower Color

Green, Yellow

Stem Color

Summer dormancy, Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous, Evergreen

Leaf type

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Creeping buttercup

Distribution of Creeping buttercup

Distribution Map

Eurasia, and Northwest Africa are the regions where you'll find creeping buttercup naturally. It has seen a widespread introduction to the majority of the world, it is classified as an invasive species in several states in the United States. Its natural habitat includes wetlands, woods, pastures, and dune slacks.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Wet meadows, Pastures, Woods, Dune slacks

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Creeping buttercup is widely used as a decorative garden plant. In meadow landscapes, this plant has ornamental value and adds pops of color. In the cottage or woodland garden, it brings density and provides ground cover under larger plants or shrubs. It tends to spread easily, so in small garden spaces, it may not be ideal, unless it is in containers.

Symbolism

Neatness, humility, childishness, faithlessness

Interesting Facts

The yellow flowers of the creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) are notably glossy. This aids in attracting pollinating insects, as well as in the thermoregulation of the plant’s reproductive organs.

Name Story

Creeping buttercup: As this plant produces butter-like flowers, the name buttercup is given to the plant. As for "creeping", it is reflected in its ability to spread widely as a grass weed. Also, it can creep to the ground easily, forming a thick layer of mulch. So, it is called creeping buttercup.

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Toxicity

Creeping buttercup is toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. Ingestion or contact can result in gastrointestinal discomfort, irregular heartbeat, headache, and skin blistering in humans. Dogs and cats can experience vomiting, diarrhea, and other distressing symptoms if they consume the plant. Immediate veterinary care is essential for pets exposed to creeping buttercup.

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Care Guide for Creeping buttercup

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Creeping buttercup thrives in moist environments and prefers consistent soil moisture, requiring weekly watering. It is moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with even hydration. Suited for outdoor cultivation, creeping buttercup's growth and flowering are strongly linked to water availability, necessitating effective irrigation during the growing season.

Fertilize: Before planting creeping buttercup, mix 1/3 fully decomposed organic fertilizer into the soil. After planting, use diluted NPK during bloom and potassium/phosphorus after flowering. Continue fertilizing until foliage yellowing occurs, signaling energy storage in underground corms.

Pruning: Deadhead faded flowers on creeping buttercup to promote blooming. Cease watering when flowering stops and leaves yellow. For winter storage, cut the top, dig out corms, treat with fungicide, and store in a cool, dry place. Hardy corms can remain undisturbed in dry soil.

Propagation: Creeping buttercup primarily propagates by sowing in spring but can also spread through rhizomes. Healthy growth is characterized by rapid, dense carpet-like coverage, and propagation is straightforward, requiring no specialized techniques.

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Images of Creeping buttercup

Distribution of Creeping buttercup

Culture

Toxicity

Care Guide for Creeping buttercup

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