Ranunculus flammula
lesser spearwort
A marginal aquatic perennial with semi-erect, red-tinged green, spear-shaped leaves 1-2.5 cm long and bearing bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers, 2cm across in early summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin irritant - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Ranunculus can be annuals, biennials, evergreen or herbaceous perennials, with rhizomes, tubers or spreading by runners. The leaves are variable but often palmately lobed or dissected and the flowers usually bowl-shaped
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Northern Hemisphere
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in still or slow moving water 15-22cm deep
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe, or by division inspring or late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, slug and snail damage
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust and grey moulds
Get involved
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