Creeping Buttercup
ranunculus hederaceus
Also known as: ["Creeping Crowfoot","Water Crowfoot"]
Overview
A creeping perennial herbaceous plant with small, rounded leaves and yellow flowers, often found in moist habitats.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Ranunculus |
| Botanical Name: | Ranunculus hederaceus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or container with protection from intense sunlight
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
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 like compost or peat moss.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, focusing on removing spent flowers and damaged leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily. Can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. Adjust to morning sun and afternoon shade in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight to prevent scorching; place in filtered light outdoors; shield from intense midday sun indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry.
Soil
moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers cool temperatures, ideally 50–65°F (10–18°C). Tolerates mild frost but avoids prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures.
Protect from frost; keep away from drafty windows in winter; avoid placing near heat vents in summer.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing in fall.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch stem cuttings with at least two nodes.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light for successful rooting.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; moist, loose soil for rhizome division.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for stem cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 2–4 weeks; rhizome division can establish in 4–6 weeks with proper care.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture; use clean tools to prevent disease.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems to encourage branching; snip off dead or diseased parts with clean cuts.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove dead or yellowing foliage to improve air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors, or your fingers for pinching small stems.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or yellowing leaves; remove spent flowers; shape lightly as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling 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 to refresh soil and provide more space.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone until water begins to drain from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before evening.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring and fall, reducing frequency to every 14–21 days in winter to prevent root rot. Increase watering slightly in summer if soil dries faster due to heat.
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 or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress; blackened foliage in frost damage.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause leaf discoloration or dieback if temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C) for extended periods.
Solution: Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; apply a thick layer of mulch for in-ground plants; avoid watering when soil is frozen.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; growth may stall due to excessive heat and water loss.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season only; avoid contact with roots directly.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid 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
ToxicCats are susceptible to the toxic effects of protoanemonin derived from ranunculin in Ranunculus hederaceus, leading to severe irritation and potential systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe plant contains ranunculin, which metabolizes into protoanemonin, causing significant irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and skin of dogs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicRanunculus hederaceus contains ranunculin, which upon enzymatic hydrolysis releases 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 hederaceus toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to both dogs and cats.
Q: Where does Ranunculus hederaceus typically grow?
A: It grows in moist habitats, such as wetlands, meadows, and along streams.
Q: How easy is it to care for Ranunculus hederaceus?
A: It is relatively easy to care for, requiring low maintenance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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