Hairy Buttercup

ranunculus sardous

Also known as: ["Hairy Crowfoot","Ranunculus sardous"]

Family: Ranunculaceae Genus: Ranunculus Category: Flowers

Overview

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

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","disease resistant"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden beds or containers in partial shade
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°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. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and compost works well.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 4–6 weeks during active growth or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, removing only dead, damaged, or overly long stems.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates; adjust exposure based on season.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to avoid scorching. Place in filtered light during peak summer hours. Indoors, position near an east or north-facing window.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves with brown tips indicate overwatering; stunted growth or pale leaves suggest poor soil fertility or pH imbalance.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Avoid direct midday sun; rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light.

Watering

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

Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot; reduce watering in dormant periods.

Soil

well-draining, fertile loam with added organic matter

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 structure.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates cooler spring and fall conditions but avoids extreme heat.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent cool conditions for best growth.

Fertilizing

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

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding in dormant periods; use a balanced formula for overall health.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

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

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.

Medium

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

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended for stem cuttings to improve success rates.

Timeline

Stem cuttings may root in 2–4 weeks; rhizome division establishes more quickly if healthy divisions are made.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut stems just above a leaf node or bud.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased foliage, and encourage bushier growth. Focus on improving air circulation.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; improve air circulation.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.

Method

Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary if growth slows or drainage becomes poor.

Checklist

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

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water at base; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage. Water deeply to encourage deep roots, and ensure excess water drains away to prevent standing water.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and reduce fungal risks.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water Ranunculus sardous when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and humidity.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis (yellowing leaves) in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf discoloration or wilting. Prolonged cold can damage roots or halt development.

Solution: Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; use frost cloth for outdoor plants; ensure good drainage to prevent cold waterlogging.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or premature flowering, reducing vigor.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting; water deeply but avoid overwatering.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season; avoid over-fertilization.

Fertilizing Method

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

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Ranunculus sardous can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Ranunculus sardous is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root damage, which can impair nutrient uptake and lead to plant decline.

Leaf spots on Ranunculus sardous are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic area and potential spread of infection to other parts of the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Ranunculus sardous is typically caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Ranunculus sardous is toxic to cats, with the toxic principle being protoanemonin, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access the plant. Seek veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

The plant is toxic to dogs due to the presence of protoanemonin, which can cause significant gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon contact.

⚠️ Symptoms:
drooling vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

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

Ranunculus sardous contains ranunculin, which upon enzymatic hydrolysis releases protoanemonin, a toxic irritant. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal and dermal irritation due to its volatile oils and alkaloids.

⚠️ Symptoms:
burning sensation in mouth nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain skin irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ 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 sardous toxic to pets?

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

Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?

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

Q: Is Ranunculus sardous a weed?

A: Yes, it is often considered a weed due to its invasive nature.

Quick Reference
Family: Ranunculaceae
Care: easy
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)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Green Hellebore
View
River Buttercup
View
Golden Section Buttercup
View
Lesser Celandine
View