Meadow Buttercup

ranunculus acris

Also known as: ["Common Buttercup","Meadow Crowfoot","Meadow Cuckoo-flower"]

Family: Ranunculaceae Genus: Ranunculus Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant with bright yellow flowers, native to Europe and Asia.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Ranunculus
Botanical Name: Ranunculus acris

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or border in temperate climates
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
  • Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or diseased growth.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary for rejuvenation.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); partial shade in hot climates to prevent scorching.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; provide shade during peak summer hours; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or mold on soil surface indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plants for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for signs of sunburn.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water at the base to avoid foliage disease; ensure soil dries between waterings.

Soil

moist, fertile, well-drained loam

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil is not waterlogged; amend with organic matter for fertility; test pH periodically.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F/15–24°C); tolerates cold but not extreme heat.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding in late summer to prepare for dormancy.

Propagation

Methods

Division of tubers or stem cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Separate tubers or take cuttings.
  2. Prepare medium.
  3. Plant.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Monitor growth.

Best Time: Early spring before active growth begins or late summer after flowering.

Environment

Warm (65–70°F/18–21°C), humid, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional, but can speed up root development.

Timeline

4–6 weeks for roots to develop; 3–4 months to establish a new plant.

Tools Needed

Sharp knife, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining mix.

Quick Tips

Ensure tubers have eyes or cuttings have nodes; maintain consistent moisture.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead flowers by cutting just above a leaf node; trim stems to maintain shape.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim dead or overcrowded stems to improve air circulation.

Tools

Sharp bypass pruners, gloves, disinfectant.

Checklist

Clean tools; deadhead spent flowers; remove weak or damaged stems; sanitize after use.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth starts.

Pot Size

One size larger pot with drainage holes; ensure it’s not too large.

Method

Gently remove plant; loosen roots; place in fresh soil with good drainage; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; divide tubers during repotting.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, focusing on the root zone, and avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal issues.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water precisely to the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage in freezing conditions.

Solution: Protect from frost with mulch or cloches; avoid overwatering in cold weather.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering due to excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water deeply but less frequently.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Ranunculus acris can indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may be a sign of water stress, either from overwatering or drought conditions.

Wilting in Ranunculus acris is typically caused by water stress, either due to insufficient soil moisture or root damage from pathogens such as Fusarium or Pythium species.

Leaf spots on Ranunculus acris are commonly caused by fungal pathogens such as Alternaria or Cercospora, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or crown rot, in Ranunculus acris is often caused by fungal pathogens like Rhizoctonia or Sclerotinia, especially in poorly drained soils or overwatered conditions.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to the irritant protoanemonin, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy depression oral irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access the plant. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

Dogs are susceptible to the toxic effects of protoanemonin, which can cause significant gastrointestinal distress and dermal irritation upon contact.

⚠️ Symptoms:
drooling vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants out of reach of dogs. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Ranunculus acris contains ranunculin, which upon enzymatic hydrolysis releases protoanemonin, a toxic irritant. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal and dermal irritation, with potential systemic effects in large quantities.

⚠️ Symptoms:
burning sensation in mouth nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain skin blistering
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ranunculus acris toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: Does Ranunculus acris attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: How easy is it to care for Ranunculus acris?

A: It is relatively easy to care for with low maintenance requirements.

Quick Reference
Family: Ranunculaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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