Glacier Crowfoot
ranunculus glacialis
Also known as: ["Alpine Crowfoot","Snow Buttercup"]
Overview
A hardy alpine perennial with glossy, dark green leaves and bright yellow flowers, adapted to cold, high-altitude environments.
Benefits & Perks
["cold hardy","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Ranunculus |
| Botanical Name: | Ranunculus glacialis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: alpine garden, rockery, or container in cold climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"−20–15°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"1–4"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, acidic soil with organic matter; alpine soil mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; avoid heavy cuts as the plant is slow-growing.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) with protection from intense midday heat; adjust for cooler climates by providing more direct light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; provide shade during peak heat to prevent scorching; for indoor plants, place near a south-facing window with sheer curtains.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
expert onlymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer; supplement with grow lights if needed.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid waterlogging, especially in cold conditions.
Soil
well-drained, gritty, acidic soil
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure soil is loose and airy; test pH annually.
Temperature
Cool to cold temperatures (0–15°C); prefers alpine conditions with frost tolerance.
Keep away from heat sources in winter; ensure good air circulation; monitor for sudden temperature drops.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a low-nitrogen formula for flowering plants.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common; division of tubers can also be done in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly.
- Keep moist.
- For tubers, cut with a sharp knife, dust with fungicide, and plant horizontally.
Best Time: Early spring before active growth begins; seeds can be sown in late summer or early fall.
Environment
Cool temperatures (5–10°C), high humidity, and indirect light for seeds; warmth (10–15°C) and indirect light for tubers.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or a mix of peat and perlite for tuber division.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds; rooting hormone can aid tuber division.
Timeline
Seeds may take 3–4 weeks to germinate; tubers can root in 2–3 weeks under ideal conditions.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, sharp knife, fungicide, rooting hormone (optional), misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use cold stratification for seeds to improve germination; ensure tubers are not overcrowded when dividing.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip dead or yellowing leaves at the base; deadhead flowers by cutting just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and aesthetics.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sterilize tools before use; prune in early morning; dispose of pruned material to prevent disease spread.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 cm in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for rejuvenation and fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose a pot with drainage holes; use fresh potting mix; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the day; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once 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 peat moss or compost for acidity and fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in excessive heat; leaf necrosis or frost damage in extreme cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes but are generally tolerated; prolonged freezing without protection can cause tissue damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in cold to prevent frozen roots.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering; may enter dormancy if too warm.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting; water deeply but less frequently to avoid heat shock.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer label for NPK ratio; dilute correctly; apply during growing season only.
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
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic compounds in Ranunculus glacialis. Ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and dermal irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe plant's protoanemonin content is toxic to dogs, causing significant gastrointestinal distress and potential systemic toxicity upon ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicRanunculus glacialis 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 glacialis toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Where does Ranunculus glacialis grow naturally?
A: It is native to high-altitude alpine regions in Europe.
Q: How difficult is it to grow Ranunculus glacialis?
A: It is challenging to grow outside its native cold, alpine environment and is best suited for expert gardeners.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | expert only |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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