Giant Buttercup
ranunculus lingua
Also known as: ["Long Tongue Buttercup","Water Crowfoot"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with bright yellow flowers and long, narrow leaves, typically found in wetland habitats.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","damp soil tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Ranunculus |
| Botanical Name: | Ranunculus lingua |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: borders, near water features, or in partially shaded garden beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much water.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates dappled light in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide afternoon shade in hot regions; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormancy
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot; prioritize consistent moisture during flowering.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not compacted; maintain consistent moisture; enrich annually with organic matter.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); prefers cooler nights; sensitive to extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; maintain consistent cool conditions for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to prevent excessive foliage at the expense of flowers; apply after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing in late summer.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes or stem cuttings in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide rhizomes into sections with at least one growth bud.
- Plant cuttings in moist medium, keeping them warm and humid.
- Wait for roots to form before transplanting.
Best Time: Early spring as new growth emerges; after flowering for stem cuttings.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions (70–75°F or 21–24°C) with indirect light for cuttings; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also be propagated in water for stem cuttings.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for stem cuttings to encourage root development.
Timeline
Rhizome division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 3–4 weeks, mature plant in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterilized knife, rooting hormone (optional), pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Divide rhizomes every 2–3 years to maintain vigor; use clean tools to prevent disease; maintain humidity for cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead flowers by cutting just above a leaf node; trim back old foliage to the base in late summer or fall.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim back foliage after flowering to maintain neat appearance.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, clean scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; deadhead regularly; remove yellowing leaves; trim after flowering.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for rejuvenation and fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even saturation of the root zone; water early in the day to minimize fungal issues; allow excess water to drain completely.
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 2–3 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; mix in perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop in excessive heat; leaf browning or dieback in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or dieback, especially in wet soil.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost with row covers or move containers indoors; ensure well-drained soil to prevent cold waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat leads to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering; may go dormant in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation; mulch to retain soil moisture.
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; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicRanunculus lingua is toxic to cats due to the presence of ranunculin, which converts to protoanemonin. This irritant can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and skin reactions in felines.
⚠️ 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 skin irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicRanunculus lingua contains ranunculin, which upon enzymatic hydrolysis produces protoanemonin, a toxic irritant. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal and dermal irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ranunculus lingua toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Where does Ranunculus lingua typically grow?
A: It thrives in wetland habitats, damp meadows, and along stream banks.
Q: How should Ranunculus lingua be cared for?
A: It requires consistently moist soil and partial to full sun exposure.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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