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Herbaceous Perennial

Ranunculus acris
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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 plant
blisterflower
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 silvaticus
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H7
Botanical 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

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