Woolly Buttercup

ranunculus lanuginosus

Also known as: ["Woolly Crowfoot","Hairy Buttercup"]

Family: Ranunculaceae Genus: Ranunculus Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant with woolly-haired stems and leaves, native to Europe and parts of Asia.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed with partial shade or a container in a sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; more frequently during flowering periods.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or damaged parts without drastically reducing foliage.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to partial shade in intense summer sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from direct midday sun to avoid scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; monitor for signs of sunburn.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases.

Soil

well-draining, humus-rich soil

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

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better aeration.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged cold.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain consistent room temperature.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Division of rhizomes or stem cuttings in spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select healthy rhizomes or stems, prepare cutting/division, plant in medium, maintain humidity, monitor for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; moist, loose soil for rhizome division.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates for stem cuttings.

Timeline

Rhizome division may show new growth in 2–4 weeks; stem cuttings may root in 3–6 weeks.

Tools Needed

Sharp, sterile knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use clean tools to prevent disease; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain high humidity for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip off faded flowers just above a leaf node; trim yellowing leaves at the base.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.

Tools

Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Check for dead/damaged parts, sanitize tools, prune selectively, dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one.

Method

Gently remove plant, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for rejuvenating soil and root system.

Checklist

Prepare new pot, check root health, use fresh soil, water sparingly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid foliage wetting

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogging.

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

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

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility and structure.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

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

Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate roots with mulch, and avoid overwatering in cold periods.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water more frequently to keep roots cool.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid winter feeding

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Ranunculus lanuginosus may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or root rot, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant health decline.

Wilting in Ranunculus lanuginosus is typically a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient watering or root damage, which can impair nutrient uptake and lead to plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Ranunculus lanuginosus may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis, defoliation, and weakened plant vigor.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Ranunculus lanuginosus is often caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential spread of pathogens.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to the toxic compounds in Ranunculus lanuginosus. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation, with potential systemic effects that may require veterinary intervention.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite skin irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Seek veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

Dogs are susceptible to the toxic effects of protoanemonin released from Ranunculus lanuginosus. Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress and dermal irritation, with potential for systemic toxicity in severe cases.

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

if eaten

Keep plants out of reach of dogs. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

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

⚠️ Symptoms:
burning sensation in mouth nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain skin irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ 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 lanuginosus toxic to pets?

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

Q: Does this plant require full sun?

A: It prefers partial shade to full sun, depending on climate.

Q: How often should it be watered?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Quick Reference
Family: Ranunculaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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