Hairy buttercup (Ranunculus sardous)

Hairy buttercup

Hairy buttercup (Ranunculus sardous) is a native European weed. It’s indigenous to the Canary Islands and North Africa, but has spread throughout the world. Its saffron-colored flowers are a common sight in fields and pastures. The plant gets its name because it has hairy stems and leaves.

Scientific classification

Species

Hairy buttercup (Ranunculus sardous)

Buttercups, poppies and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Annual, Biennial, Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Green, Blue

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Green

Fruit Color

Yellow, Gold

Flower Color

Green, Red, Brown, Burgundy

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen, Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Hairy buttercup

Distribution of Hairy buttercup

Distribution Map

The plant hairy buttercup originates from Mediterranean regions and parts of Eurasia. It has spread as an introduced species across various temperate zones, finding its way into both hemispheres. Its growth is notable in areas encompassing the northern and southern parts of Europe, parts of northern Asia, and sporadically in Australasia. Hairy buttercup's expansion beyond its native range demonstrates its adaptability to diverse climatic conditions.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Roadsides, fields, open woods

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Attractiveness and charm

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Toxicity

Hairy buttercup is moderately toxic to dogs, cats, and humans when ingested or contacted. Protoanemonin in the leaves and stems causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, hypersalivation, and more. Found in wooded areas, hairy buttercup requires vigilance to prevent pet access. Immediate veterinary attention is critical for poisoned animals.

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Weed Control

Hairy buttercup is native to North Africa and Europe and has spread throughout much of the world. It can be considered weedy in certain contexts; in the United States it is listed as an agricultural weed by North Carolina and as an invasive weed by West Virginia. It grows well in disturbed areas and can outcompete native plants due to its early germination and quick growth. The plant is also toxic to livestock. Encouraging the growth of healthy native plants can prevent the introduction of hairy buttercup, while herbicides and mowing can be effective methods in controlling unwanted weedy populations.

How to Control It

The optimal time to remove hairy buttercup is during the spring and early summer seasons, before the plant has a chance to set seeds and multiply.

Hand Pulling: Wearing the right gloves, hand pull hairy buttercup from the root, ensuring no part of the plant is left in the soil.
Hoeing: With the help of a garden hoe, remove hairy buttercup by cutting the plant off at the root level.
Mulching: Lay down a 2-inch layer of organic mulch (like bark or compost) to prevent hairy buttercup from germinating and growing. Regularly add to the mulch layer when necessary.

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Quickly Identify Hairy buttercup

Vibrant yellow flowers atop thin stems up to 12 inches tall.

Three-lobed medium green leaves with a unique hairy texture.

Radially symmetrical cup-shaped glossy yellow flowers with reflexed sepals.

Fruit consisting of small, dry, closed achenes of 2-3 mm length.

Hairy green to reddish-brown stems, 0.1-0.2 inches thick, growing up to 2 feet tall.

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Care Guide for Hairy buttercup

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Native to moist meadows, hairy buttercup requires consistently moist soil and tolerates short wet periods but lacks drought resistance. Weekly watering is essential for hydration. Typically grown outdoors, hairy buttercup thrives in environments with sufficient humidity, aided by adequate rainfall and dew.

Fertilize: Before planting hairy buttercup, incorporate 1/3 fully decomposed organic fertilizer into the soil. Fertilize with diluted NPK during blooming. After flowering, apply potassium or phosphorus-rich fertilizer and continue until foliage yellowing signals energy storage for future growth.

Pruning: During the growing season, deadhead faded flowers on hairy buttercup to promote blooming. Once flowering ceases, stop watering and allow leaves to die back. For corms, remove and store in a cool, dry place, treating with fungicide if necessary. Leave hardy corms undisturbed in dry soil.

Propagation: Hairy buttercup propagation is best in spring through direct sowing, featuring a straightforward process and high success rate. Key indicators of success are seedlings' sprouting and growth. Use only moist, well-draining soil for optimal results.

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Images of Hairy buttercup

Distribution of Hairy buttercup

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Hairy buttercup

Care Guide for Hairy buttercup

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