Buttercup Ranunculus acris
ABOUT
Commonly known as the meadow buttercup, this plant is characterized by its bright yellow cup-shaped flowers that are a familiar sight in meadows and grassy fields. Each flower is glossy and has five to seven petals that are usually overlapping, creating a distinctive, almost shiny appearance. The center of the flower is made up of numerous small stamens and pistils, which are often visited by pollinating insects. The foliage of the meadow buttercup is deep green, divided into multiple lobes and segments, giving the leaves a somewhat lacy appearance. The leaves found lower on the plant, closer to the ground, tend to be larger and have longer stalks than those higher up on the stems. The stems themselves are erect and branched, strong enough to hold the flowers up high. Throughout the flowering season, which typically occurs in spring and early summer, the meadow buttercup brings a burst of vivid color to the landscape it inhabits.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Meadow Buttercup, Tall Buttercup, Common Buttercup, Giant Buttercup, Blister Flower, Grenouillette.
Common names
Ranunculus acer auct., Ranunculus acris var. latisectus Beck, Ranunculus acris var. linearis Beck, Ranunculus acris var. stevenii (Andrz. ex Besser) Beck, Ranunculus acris var. subintegerrimus (Jord.) Arcang., Ranunculus acris subsp. borealis Hartm., Ranunculus acris subsp. friesianus (Jord.) Rouy & Foucaud, Ranunculus acris subsp. intercedens (Velen.) Soó, Ranunculus acris subsp. pallasii (Schltdl.) Nyman, Ranunculus acris subsp. stevenii (Andrz. ex Besser) Nyman, Ranunculus acris subsp. subintegerrimus (Jord.) Rouy & Foucaud, Ranunculus stevenii Andrz. ex Besser, Ranunculus subacris Schur.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Meadow buttercup adds vibrant color and aesthetic appeal to gardens with its bright yellow flowers.
- Wildlife Attraction: The nectar-rich blooms of meadow buttercup attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Cultural Significance: Meadow buttercup has a place in folklore and tradition, often used in children's games and to make garlands.
- Educational Use: The distinct features of meadow buttercup, such as its glossy yellow petals, can be used for educational purposes in botany and ecology.
- Soil Indicator: The presence of meadow buttercup in the wild can indicate certain soil conditions, such as dampness, which can be useful information for ecologists and farmers.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Ranunculus acris contains compounds that may help to reduce inflammation.
- Anodyne: It has traditionally been used to ease pain.
- Blisters treatment: The sap of the plant is known to cause blisters on the skin, and this caustic characteristic has been used historically to create counter-irritation for the treatment of rheumatism and other conditions.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ranunculus acris, commonly known as the meadow buttercup, can be used as a natural dye, providing a yellow color to fabrics when used with alum as a mordant.
- In gardening, meadow buttercup can be planted to create a wildflower meadow aesthetic, offering a bright splash of color and attracting pollinators.
- The sap from meadow buttercup has been historically used as a sticky adhesive for small items, like paper or light decorations.
- Meadow buttercup is an indicator species for soil that is high in moisture, helping farmers and gardeners assess the condition of their land.
- Children historically used the flowers to play a game where they would hold a buttercup under the chin to see if it reflected yellow, indicating a liking for butter.
- Farmers sometimes use meadow buttercup as a companion plant as it can be indicative of certain soil conditions that are beneficial for certain crops.
- Some bird species use the plant material from meadow buttercup to construct their nests, as it is soft and easily manipulated.
- Artists and crafters use pressed and dried meadow buttercup flowers for creating botanical art pieces, stationery, or decorations.
- In historical folklore, meadow buttercup flowers were woven into garlands and headdresses for ritualistic purposes or festivals to celebrate spring.
- Conservationists sometimes utilize meadow buttercup in their efforts to restore native plant habitats and support biodiversity.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Buttercup is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Buttercup is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Charm: Ranunculus acris, commonly known as meadow buttercup, often symbolizes charm due to its bright, shiny petals and its captivating appearance.
- Ingratitude: In Victorian flower language, the meadow buttercup sometimes represented ingratitude, reflecting the contrast between the beauty of the flower and its toxic properties when ingested.
- Childhood: The playful nature of the meadow buttercup, which is often found in fields and among children's play areas, associates it with youth and carefree childhood memories.
- Humility: Despite its vivid appearance, the meadow buttercup can symbolize humility as it grows low to the ground and is common and widespread.
- Radiance: The glossy sheen of the meadow buttercup's petals signifies radiance, reflecting joy and the ability to brighten up someone's day.
WaterMeadow buttercups should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time, which equates to approximately 0.62 gallons per square yard per week. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. In hotter, drier periods, watering frequency should increase to twice a week to maintain consistent soil moisture. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
LightMeadow buttercups thrive best in full sun to partial shade. They perform well in areas that receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal location would be one where the plant is exposed to morning light and shielded from the intense afternoon sun, or dappled sunlight throughout the day.
TemperatureMeadow buttercups prefer temperate climates and can survive in temperatures ranging from around 40°F to 85°F. They can tolerate light frosts, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing may harm the plant. The ideal growing temperature for these buttercups is between 60°F and 75°F.
PruningMeadow buttercups benefit from pruning to remove spent flowers and encourage further blooming. Deadheading regularly during the flowering season promotes the growth of new flowers. The best time to prune meadow buttercups is immediately after the first bloom peak has passed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilButtercups thrive in a loamy, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand improves drainage and meets the nutrient requirements of Ranunculus acris.
RepottingButtercups, or Ranunculus acris, generally do not need frequent repotting and can thrive for several years without being moved to a new pot. It is recommended to repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
Humidity & MistingButtercups, like Ranunculus acris, prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable to variations, with ideal relative humidity ranging from 40% to 60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place buttercups in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant buttercups in partial sun with moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) begins with seed germination, which occurs in early spring as temperatures rise. After germination, seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, which allows the plant to photosynthesize and grow. As the plant matures, it develops elongated stems with alternating leaves, and in late spring to early summer, it produces bright yellow flowers that are pollinated by insects. Following pollination, the flowers develop into fruits called achenes, which contain the seeds. These seeds are dispersed by wind, water, or passing animals, finding new locations to germinate. In the fall, the above-ground parts of the Buttercup die back, but the plant can overwinter through its root system or seeds, ready to begin the cycle again the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The Meadow Buttercup, or Ranunculus acris, is typically propagated by division, which is most effectively done in the fall, after the blooming period has ended, or in early spring before new growth begins. To propagate by division, a mature clump of the buttercup should be carefully dug up, ensuring a good amount of root is kept intact with each division. Each section should have at least one growing point or eye. These sections can then be replanted in a well-preparing planting hole, with the eyes positioned about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) below the soil surface. Water the new plantings thoroughly to establish them, ensuring their soil remains moist but not waterlogged for the first few weeks to promote root growth.
