Ranunculus acris
meadow buttercup
A hairy, upright, fibrous-rooted perennial from 20-90cm tall, with long-stalked, palmately divided, mid-green leaves and open panicles of bright glossy golden yellow, bowl-shaped flowers 2.5cm across, in early and midsummer
Other common names
blister plantblisterflower
see moreblisterwort
butter cress
butter daisy
butter rose
common buttercup
common crowflower
common crowfoot
gold balls
gold knobs
gold knots
goldweed
horse gold
meadow crowfoot
meadow cup
meadow ranunculus
upright crowfoot
water milfoil
cuckooflower
yellow gowan
Synonyms
Ranunculus silvaticusBuy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
- Europe, Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, fertile, moist or moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust and grey moulds
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.