Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens

Names

• Family

  Ranunculaceae.

• Synonyms

  Creeping Buttercup, Creeping Crowfoot, Sitfast, Butter Daisy, Butter Flower, Crowfoot, Devil's Grass, Gowan, Goldens, Golden Knobs, Kingcup, Twelve Brothers.

• Common names

  Ranunculus repens var. typicus, Ranunculus repens var. pleniflorus, Ranunculus repens var. anceps, Ranunculus repens var. fallax, Ranunculus repens var. reptabundus.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) contains toxins like ranunculin. When the plant is crushed or chewed, ranunculin is converted into protoanemonin, which can cause irritation and blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. If ingested, the plant can cause pain in the mouth, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, it can lead to convulsions, paralysis, and even coma. Ingesting creeping buttercup should be avoided due to its toxic properties.

• To pets

  Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) is also toxic to pets and can cause similar symptoms as in humans. Ingestion can lead to excessive drooling, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. In severe cases, it may cause seizures, lethargy, or worse if a significant amount is consumed. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting creeping buttercup to avoid these harmful effects.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Yellow

• Height

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Spread

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  4

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Ornamental value: The Creeping Buttercup, with its bright yellow flowers, is often appreciated for its decorative appeal in gardens and landscapes.
• Wildlife habitat: Provides food and habitat for a variety of insects, which in turn can attract birds and other wildlife to the area.
• Soil stabilization: Its dense mat of runners helps to stabilize soil, possibly preventing erosion in certain environments.
• Pollinator support: The flowers of the Creeping Buttercup are visited by various pollinators including bees, which are vital for the pollination of many other plant species.
• Ground cover: Can be used to cover bare ground quickly, reducing weed growth due to its aggressive spreading nature.
• Cultural significance: In some regions, the Creeping Buttercup is part of local folklore and traditions, adding cultural value to the plant.
• Ecological indicator: Presence of Creeping Buttercup can indicate certain soil conditions, such as poor drainage or high moisture content.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Ranunculus repens has been traditionally used to reduce inflammation.
• Analgesic: It may have been used to relieve pain in some folk medicine traditions.
• Antimicrobial: Some sources suggest that it possesses antimicrobial properties.
• Diuretic: The plant may have been used to increase urine production and relieve fluid retention.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Creeper Buttercup can be used as a natural dye; its flowers, when boiled, can produce a yellow dye suitable for coloring fabrics or crafting materials.
• It can serve as an indicator plant since Creeper Buttercup often signals compacted or poor-quality soil, guiding groundskeepers on where to focus soil-improvement efforts.
• The plant has been used in traditional children's games, such as the "buttercup test," which involves reflecting the yellow of the flower onto the skin to "determine" if someone likes butter.
• Historically, Creeper Buttercup has been used as a part of folklore and superstitions, believed to ward off evil when carried in a pouch.
• The flowers can be used for decorative purposes in ephemeral art, such as creating natural floral patterns on the ground for celebrations or events.
• The leaves of Creeper Buttercup can be added to compost as green matter, though care must be taken to not include any seeding parts to prevent its spread.
• The bright flowers can be floated in water to create ornamental displays for garden ponds or water features.
• In some areas, the plant is intentionally grown as ground cover in low-traffic areas where its aggressive nature is less problematic.
• Creeper Buttercup can be used in handcrafts, like pressing its bright yellow flowers for inclusion in nature-inspired crafts or bookmarks.
• Beekeepers may value patches of creeping buttercup as an early food source for bees when few other flowers are in bloom.

Feng Shui

Creeping Buttercup is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

Creeping Buttercup is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Charm: Ranunculus flowers, also known as Creeping Buttercups, often symbolize charm and attractiveness. Their lush, colorful blooms suggest someone is dazzled by the recipient’s many charms.
• Radiance: The glossy sheen of Creeping Buttercups' petals represents radiance and glowing presence, capturing the joy and brightness one brings to others' lives.
• Ingratitude: In Victorian flower language, Creeping Buttercups were sometimes associated with ingratitude or being unthankful, possibly arising from the plant's invasive habits and its ability to overtake other plants' spaces.
• Childishness: The Creeping Buttercup's playful and innocent appearance can also symbolize a sense of childlike wonder, joy, or the simple pleasures of youth.