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Herbaceous Perennial

Ranunculus repens
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

creeping buttercup

A potentially invasive plant in the garden, spreading by stems that root at the nodes. Leaves are hairy, rough-edged and sometimes with white markings. They are three-lobed, with the central lobe being stalked. Flowers of five-petalled, glossy, yellow cups are borne in summer

Other common names
creeping crowfoot
creeping yellow gowan
see morelantern leaves
ram's claws
sit-fast
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
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
Eurasia

How to grow

Cultivation

An inhabitant of damp grassland

Propagation

Propagate by seed or plant division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust and grey moulds

Get involved

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