Water Crowfoot

ranunculus aquatilis

Also known as: ["White Water Crowfoot","Water Buttercup"]

Family: Ranunculaceae Genus: Ranunculus Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial aquatic plant with white flowers and finely divided leaves, often found in ponds and slow-moving streams.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: Shallow water gardens, pond margins, or bog gardens
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
  • Misting: Not required, as plant thrives in submerged or semi-aquatic conditions
  • Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
  • Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil with organic matter; peat-based mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when foliage declines.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light but prefers dappled sunlight for 4–6 hours daily.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; protect from intense midday sun; ideal for shaded garden beds or containers.

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

Avoid direct sun; place in a shaded spot; monitor for signs of sunburn.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, watering every 2–3 days or as needed to maintain saturation

Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil doesn't dry out completely; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.

Soil

Aquatic substrate or loamy, organic-rich soil at pond edges

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

Ensure soil doesn't dry out; improve drainage if waterlogged; maintain organic content.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions during dormancy.

Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures.

Fertilizing

Every 4–6 weeks during active growing season with balanced aquatic plant fertilizer

Fertilize sparingly; apply during growing season only; water before fertilizing to prevent root burn.

Propagation

Methods

Division of rhizomes or stem cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Divide rhizomes carefully.
  2. Prepare cuttings with 2–3 nodes.
  3. Plant in moist medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Early spring or after flowering when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid, and shaded environment with indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional, but can help with stem cuttings.

Timeline

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

Tools Needed

Sharp knife, pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), pots, well-draining soil.

Quick Tips

Keep cuttings moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip stems just above a leaf node or healthy bud; remove yellowing leaves at the base.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or damaged foliage to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.

Tools

Sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Clean tools before use; prune dead or damaged parts; avoid over-pruning healthy growth.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up from the current pot; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for rejuvenation.

Checklist

Use fresh soil; check root health; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the day; avoid overhead watering; ensure proper drainage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water deeply until it reaches the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution; allow excess to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a fine nozzle to avoid disturbing delicate roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water more frequently during active growth and flowering, reducing slightly in dormancy.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or peat moss for moisture retention; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or premature flowering in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf damage or dieback in prolonged cold; roots can rot in waterlogged soil at low temperatures.

Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; move containers to a sheltered location.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, growth may stall, or the plant may enter early dormancy in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid dormant periods; water before and after fertilizing.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in dormancy.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Ranunculus aquatilis may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or pathogenic infections, which can impair photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Ranunculus aquatilis is typically caused by water stress, either due to drought or waterlogging, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots in Ranunculus aquatilis are commonly caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in necrotic lesions that can reduce photosynthetic efficiency and weaken the plant.

Rotting in Ranunculus aquatilis is often associated with fungal infections or bacterial pathogens, particularly in waterlogged conditions, which can lead to tissue decay and plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Ranunculus aquatilis is toxic to cats due to the presence of ranunculin, which converts to protoanemonin. This can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation and systemic effects in felines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite oral irritation
🌿 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 contains ranunculin, which metabolizes into protoanemonin, a compound toxic to dogs. Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset and irritation.

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

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Ranunculus aquatilis contains ranunculin, which upon enzymatic hydrolysis produces protoanemonin, a toxic irritant. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and systemic irritation.

⚠️ Symptoms:
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 aquatilis toxic to pets?

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

Q: Where does Ranunculus aquatilis grow best?

A: It thrives in ponds and slow-moving streams with partial shade.

Q: Does this plant require high maintenance?

A: It has moderate maintenance needs, requiring attention to water conditions.

Quick Reference
Family: Ranunculaceae
Care: moderate
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Water: Keep soil consistently moist,
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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