Greater Spearwort Ranunculus lingua 'Grandiflorus'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Greater Spearwort 'Grandiflorus' is admired for its striking and vibrant appearance. It boasts large, buttercup-like flowers that are a vivid yellow color, instantly catching the eye. These blossoms have multiple layers of delicate petals that radiate out from a central, greenish-yellow core, providing a full and rounded look. The petals are glossy and may appear to shimmer in the sunlight, adding to the plant's allure. Underneath the flowers, the foliage is typically deep green, forming a lush backdrop for the bright blooms. The leaves are elongated, resembling spears, with smooth edges and a firm texture, which is how the common name Greater Spearwort is derived. Their shiny surface often reflects light, further enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the plant. Greater Spearwort 'Grandiflorus' produces a robust cluster of these features, creating a dense and colorful display. The flowers and leaves together make for an appealing contrast in both color and form, with the softness of the blooms juxtaposed against the more rigid, upright foliage. This plant is a water-loving species and is frequently found in moist environments, which is reflected in the freshness and vitality of its appearance. It provides a bright splash of color and a sense of vitality wherever it grows, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a natural yet showy element to their water gardens or pond edges.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Greater Spearwort, Grandiflora Buttercup, Lingua Buttercup, Large-Flowered Spearwort
Common names
Ranunculus lingua 'Grandiflora'.
ToxicityTo humans
Greater Spearwort contains toxic components that can cause irritation and blistering of the skin and mucous membranes upon contact. If ingested, it can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In some cases, convulsions or paralysis may occur. Due to its toxic nature, ingestion of any part of the Greater Spearwort should be avoided.
To pets
Greater Spearwort is also toxic to pets. If ingested, it can cause symptoms similar to those in humans, including drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, tremors, seizures, or paralysis may occur. As with humans, it's crucial to prevent pets from ingesting any part of Greater Spearwort due to its toxic properties.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet (91 cm)
Spread
2 feet (61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Provides a habitat and nectar source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to water gardens or ponds with its large, showy flowers and lush foliage.
- Naturalizing: Can spread and naturalize in areas with wet conditions, creating a wild, natural look.
- Water's Edge Stabilization: Helps to stabilize the soil around ponds and waterways, preventing erosion.
- Companion Planting: Complements other aquatic plants in water gardens or bog gardens with its height and texture.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a long blooming season, usually from late spring to summer, enhancing the garden's seasonal appeal.
- Habitat Creation: Can provide shelter for aquatic wildlife like frogs and newts within its foliage.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscaping.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Great spearwort can be used as a natural dye, providing soft yellow hues to fabrics when the flowers are processed correctly.
- In garden ponds, it can act as a shelter for small aquatic fauna due to its dense foliage and tall stature.
- Incorporating this plant in floristry, its tall and striking flowers can add vertical interest to floral arrangements.
- Great spearwort can be utilized in educational settings like schools to teach students about wetland plant species and their habitats.
- It can serve as a seasonal marker for gardeners, given its specific blooming period indicating the onset of summer.
- The dried seed heads of the great spearwort can be used artistically, for creating natural sculptures or for use in crafts.
- This plant can be a source of food for some species of waterfowl, thus supporting local wildlife and biodiversity.
- Considered in photography and painting, because of its aesthetic flowers and unique form, it makes a great subject for nature art.
- During ecological surveys, the presence of great spearwort can indicate the type of wetland environment you're in, such as marshes or fens.
- It can be used as a teaching specimen in botany for studying plant anatomy or reproductive strategies of aquatic plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Greater Spearwort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Greater Spearwort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Charm - Ranunculus often symbolizes charm and attractiveness due to its lush, multi-layered petals and radiant colors.
- Radiant Beauty - The 'Grandiflorus' variety, with its large flowers, is considered a symbol of radiant beauty and elegance.
- Unique Attraction - Like other unique and unusual flowers, Ranunculus lingua 'Grandiflorus' might be associated with distinctive allure or an intriguing personality.
- Healing - In some cultural contexts, ranunculus plants are thought to have healing properties, symbolizing recovery or the soothing of pain.
WaterThe Greater Spearwort should be kept consistently moist, as it thrives in wet conditions, similar to its natural boggy habitat. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, providing it with 1-2 gallons during each watering session, depending on the weather and soil moisture levels. During hot or dry spells, increase the frequency to maintain constant soil moisture, but always allow for proper drainage to prevent waterlogging. Cut back on watering during the cooler months but never let the soil dry out completely.
LightGreater Spearwort prefers full sun to partial shade, making it versatile for different garden spots. The ideal location would offer morning sunlight with some afternoon protection, especially in hotter climates, ensuring the plant receives ample light without being scorched by intense midday sun. However, it can also tolerate a shadier spot, provided it gets some direct or filtered sunlight throughout the day.
TemperatureGreater Spearwort is hardy and can tolerate a broad range of temperatures, generally between 32°F to 86°F. Ideally, it thrives in temperate regions where temperatures hover around 60°F to 75°F. Extreme temperatures below 30°F can damage the plant, while it may struggle to flourish if consistently exposed to temperatures above 90°F.
PruningPrune Greater Spearwort to remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers to promote healthy growth and improve air circulation. This plant should be pruned mainly in the spring, as new growth begins, and again in mid-summer, if necessary, to maintain its shape and size. Pruning every now and then during the growing season helps keep the plant looking tidy and prevents potential disease by removing any decaying plant matter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Greater Spearwort thrives in damp, fertile soil with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly acidic. A good soil mix is one with loamy or clayey compositions, which retains moisture well. Add organic matter like peat or well-rotted compost to enhance soil structure and fertility.
RepottingGreater Spearwort typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years. Ensure that the container provides enough room for growth and has adequate drainage holes.
Humidity & MistingGreater Spearwort prefers high humidity levels. Although it can tolerate a range of humidity conditions, maintaining a consistently moist environment will support healthier growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a well-lit area; keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in damp soil; partial to full sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Ranunculus lingua 'Grandiflorus', commonly known as the Greater Spearwort, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in moist soil or shallow water. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants, forming a rosette of elongated leaves while establishing a root system. As it matures, it develops upright stems and larger, lance-shaped leaves, indicating the vegetative growth stage. During late spring to summer, the Greater Spearwort enters the flowering stage, producing large, bright yellow flowers that are attractive to pollinators, leading to the pollination and fertilization process. After successful fertilization, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. During winter, the plant may die back to the root system, remaining dormant until conditions are favorable for regrowth in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: For the Greater Spearwort, Ranunculus lingua 'Grandiflorus', the most popular method of propagation is by division. Division is typically carried out in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively blooming. To propagate by division, remove the plant from the ground and gently separate the clumps of roots into smaller sections, ensuring each new piece has at least one growth point. Replant the divisions promptly, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches (about 30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. This straightforward approach allows gardeners to quickly increase their stock of Greater Spearwort plants, ensuring healthy and robust blooms in the following seasons.
