Maple-leaved Buttercup
ranunculus platanifolius
Also known as: ["Maple-leaved Crowfoot","Maple-leaved Ranunculus"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with maple-like leaves and yellow buttercup flowers, native to mountainous regions.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Ranunculus |
| Botanical Name: | Ranunculus platanifolius |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: partial shade garden bed or container with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- 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 to fast-draining; avoid heavy clay soils.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning throughout the growing season; major pruning after flowering or in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun with afternoon shade); adjust based on intensity and season.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sunlight to avoid scorching; provide dappled shade during peak afternoon sun; for indoor placement, use a bright location with indirect light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is preferable; avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate plant for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend heavy soils with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture levels.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); prefers cooler nights and can tolerate light frosts.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; maintain consistent moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing during dormancy; use a balanced formula for even nutrition.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch stem cuttings just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing but not in full bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also use a mix of peat and sand for stem cuttings.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for stem cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 3–6 weeks; division can yield new plants almost immediately.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, sterile tools; maintain high humidity around cuttings; ensure bottom heat if possible for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim back leggy stems to a healthy bud; remove any damaged or diseased growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape; thin out crowded stems for better air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged growth; remove spent flowers; shape as needed; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has 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 the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial to refresh soil and provide more space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; 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; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom, then allow excess to drain away; water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to every 3–4 weeks to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility; mix in perlite or sand to enhance drainage; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in excessive heat; leaf drop or root rot in cold, waterlogged conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage if soil is waterlogged; may enter dormancy in winter.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent cold waterlogging; protect roots with mulch; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering; may lead to dehydration if water needs are not met.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; water before fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicRanunculus platanifolius is toxic to cats, containing compounds that can induce severe gastrointestinal irritation and systemic toxicity upon ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe plant is toxic to dogs due to the presence of ranunculin and protoanemonin, which can cause significant gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon contact.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicRanunculus platanifolius contains ranunculin, which upon enzymatic hydrolysis releases protoanemonin, a toxic irritant. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal and dermal irritation, with potential systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ranunculus platanifolius toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Where does Ranunculus platanifolius grow best?
A: It thrives in mountainous regions with partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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