Creeping Buttercup
ranunculus repens
Also known as: ["Creeping Crowfoot","Yellow Crowfoot","Lesser Crowfoot"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with bright yellow flowers and creeping stems that root at the nodes, often found in moist grasslands and gardens.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","disease resistant","fast growing"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Ranunculus |
| Botanical Name: | Ranunculus repens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden beds, borders, or containers where spread can be managed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- 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 content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged foliage.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control spread.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily in cooler climates; reduce to 4–6 hours in hot climates to prevent scorching).
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moving from shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure adequate air circulation to prevent sunburn.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants weekly for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days, more frequently in hot, dry conditions
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot; ensure soil dries slightly 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; check pH annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates light frost but may struggle in prolonged heat above 80°F (27°C).
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures to avoid shock.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause excessive foliage at the expense of flowers; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–70°F or 18–21°C).
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with perlite for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim back overgrown stems to a healthy bud or leaf junction.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming and prevent self-seeding; trim leggy stems to maintain compact growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Wear gloves; sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased parts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); ensure adequate drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container to prevent overcrowding and ensure fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone, until water begins to drain from the bottom. Ensure even moisture distribution without wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry during the day.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring and fall, reducing frequency to every 14–21 days in winter and increasing to every 5–7 days in summer. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves) in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in prolonged cold; wilting despite adequate water in temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Prolonged cold can lead to root damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or develop brown edges; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid foliage contact; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (10-10-10) diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer). Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are susceptible to the toxic effects of protoanemonin derived from ranunculin in Ranunculus repens. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe plant contains ranunculin, which metabolizes into protoanemonin, a compound toxic to dogs. Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress and dermal irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicRanunculus repens 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:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ranunculus repens toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How does Ranunculus repens spread?
A: It spreads through creeping stems that root at the nodes, making it a vigorous grower.
Q: Can Ranunculus repens be grown in containers?
A: While possible, it is best suited for outdoor gardens due to its spreading habit.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, more freque |
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