How & Why To Grow The Buttercup flower (5 Types & Care Tips)

About Ranunculus or Buttercup flower:

Ranunculus /ræˈnʌŋkjʊləs/ is a large genus of about 600 species^: 276 of flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae. Members of the genus are known as buttercups, spearworts and water crowfoots.

The familiar and widespread buttercup of gardens throughout Northern Europe (and introduced elsewhere) is the creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, which has extremely tough and tenacious roots. Two other species are also widespread, the bulbous buttercup Ranunculus bulbosus and the much taller meadow buttercup Ranunculus acris. In ornamental gardens, all three are often regarded as weeds.

Buttercups usually flower in the spring, but flowers may be found throughout the summer, especially where the plants are growing as opportunistic colonizers, as in the case of garden weeds. (Buttercup flower)

The water crowfoots (Ranunculus subgenus Batrachium), which grow in still or running water, are sometimes treated in a separate genus Batrachium (from Greek βάτραχος bátrakhos, “frog”). They have two different leaf types, thread-like leaves underwater and broader floating leaves. In some species, such as R. aquatilis, a third, intermediate leaf type occurs.

Ranunculus species are used as food by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including the Hebrew character and small angle shades. Some species are popular ornamental flowers in horticulture, with many cultivars selected for large and brightly coloured flowers. (Buttercup flower)

Description

Buttercups are mostly perennial, but occasionally annual or biennial, herbaceous, aquatic or terrestrial plants, often with leaves in a rosette at the base of the stem. In many perennial species runners are sent out that will develop new plants with roots and rosettes at the distanced nodes. The leaves lack stipules, have petioles, are palmately veined, entire, more or less deeply incised, or compound, and leaflets or leaf segments may be very fine and linear in aquatic species. (Buttercup flower)

The hermaphrodite flowers are single or in a cyme, have usually five (but occasionally as few as three or as many as seven) mostly green sepals and usually, five yellow, greenish or white petals that are sometimes flushed with red, purple or pink (but the petals may be absent or have a different, sometimes much higher number). At the base of each petal is usually one nectary gland that is naked or may be covered by a scale. Anthers may be few, but often many are arranged in a spiral, are yellow or sometimes white, and with yellow pollen.

The sometimes few but mostly many green or yellow carpels are not fused and are also arranged in a spiral, mostly on a globe or dome-shaped receptacle. The fruits (in this case called achenes) may be smooth or hairy, winged, nobby or have hooked spines. (Buttercup flower)

Reflective petals

The petals of buttercups are often highly lustrous, especially in yellow species, owing to a special coloration mechanism: the petal’s upper surface is very smooth causing a mirror-like reflection. The flash aids in attracting pollinating insects and temperature regulation of the flower’s reproductive organs. (Buttercup flower)

Naming

The name Ranunculus is Late Latin for “little frog”, the diminutive of rana. This probably refers to many species being found near water, like frogs. (Buttercup flower)

The name buttercup may derive from a false belief that the plants give butter its characteristic yellow hue (in fact it is poisonous to cows and other livestock). A popular children’s game involves holding a buttercup up to the chin; a yellow reflection is supposed to indicate a fondness for butter. In ancient Rome, a species of buttercup was held to the skin by slaves attempting to remove forehead tattoos made by their owners. (Buttercup flower)

In the interior of the Pacific Northwest of the United States, the buttercup is called “Coyote’s eyes”—ʔiceyéeyenm sílu in Nez Perce and spilyaynmí áčaš in Sahaptin. In the legend, Coyote was tossing his eyes up in the air and catching them again when Eagle snatched them. Unable to see, Coyote made eyes from the buttercup. (Buttercup flower)

Splitting of the genus

Molecular investigation of the genus has revealed that Ranunculus is not monophyletic with respect to a number of other recognized genera in the family—e.g. Ceratocephala, Halerpestes, Hamadryas, Laccopetalum, Myosurus, Oxygraphis, Paroxygraphis and Trautvetteria. A proposal to split Ranunculus into several genera has thus been published in a new classification for the tribe Ranunculeae.

 The split (and often re-recognized) genera include Arcteranthis Greene, Beckwithia Jeps., Callianthemoides Tamura, Coptidium (Prantl) Beurl. ex Rydb., Cyrtorhyncha Nutt. ex Torr. & A.Gray, Ficaria Guett., Krapfia DC., Kumlienia E. Greene and Peltocalathos Tamura. Not all taxonomists and users accept this splitting of the genus, and it can alternatively be treated in the broad sense.

Pharmacological activity

The most common uses of Ranunculus species in traditional medicines are as a antirheumatic, as a rubefacient, and to treat intermittent fever. The findings in some Ranunculus species of, for example, protoanemonin, anemonin, may justify the uses of these species against fever, rheumatism and rubefacient in Asian traditional medicines.

Toxicity

All Ranunculus (buttercup) species are poisonous when eaten fresh, but their acrid taste and the blistering of the mouth caused by their poison means they are usually left uneaten. Poisoning in livestock can occur where buttercups are abundant in overgrazed fields where little other edible plant growth is left, and the animals eat them out of desperation.

Symptoms of poisoning include bloody diarrhea, excessive salivation, colic, and severe blistering of the mouth, mucous membranes and gastrointestinal tract. When Ranunculus plants are handled, naturally occurring ranunculin is broken down to form protoanemonin, which is known to cause contact dermatitis in humans and care should therefore be exercised in extensive handling of the plants. The toxins are degraded by drying, so hay containing dried buttercups is safe.

You may have researched thinking that this flower will be yellow.

And that’s it!

What other colors could it be? After all, butter is yellow.

But let’s just say that after reading this blog, you will be more triggered to grow “non-yellow” varieties of this flower.

Discussing the flower is a complete guide with its different types and growing tips.

So let’s get started. (Buttercup flower)

What is a buttercup flower?

Buttercups belong to the genus Ranunculus, which has about 600 species, according to Wikipedia. It consists of glossy, yellow leaves with numerous stamens sprouting from the central green structure.

The common buttercup has five petals and can grow both in the wild and in your gardens and is poisonous to humans and animals.

But there are also many different types, with vibrant colors and lots of petals. (Buttercup flower)

Size:

Regular buttercups can grow up to 14 inches; however, some species can reach up to 2 feet. The flowers are usually three to four centimeters in diameter. (Buttercup flower)

Scent:

It has little or no fragrance and is perfect for people with fragrance allergies.

Native to:

It is native to parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. However, if planted at the right time of the year, it can be grown anywhere. (Buttercup flower)

When to plant:

It can be considered both annual and perennial.

Autumn is the best time (October to December) for warmer regions such as Gulf states and US Hardiness zones 8-11 (California and Texas).

For colder regions, the best time of year is spring, after the last threat of frost has passed. (Buttercup flower)

Other names:

Jackal’s eyes: In one part of the legend, where a jackal threw its eyes into the air and the eagle picked them up. Made new eyes with buttercup flower.

water crow’s feet

spear grass

Buttercup flower meaning:

Flowers are a universal sign of love and care. It is given as a bouquet or gift to your loved ones on different occasions.

But different flowers have different symbols.

Buttercups are a symbol of orderliness (because of its regular petals), childishness (due to its small size and bright colors), and modesty (because it can attract people and bees without exaggeration). (Buttercup flower)

Why you should have it in your garden:

1. For attractive landscaping and stunning flowerbeds

Combining orange, purple, yellow and white buttercups with beautiful blue flowers can help create stunning landscapes.

Not only are they a lovely addition to your flower beds, they can also be used for garden borders and borders.

If you want to “revive” a boring corner of your garden, they may be the right option. (Buttercup flower)

2. Meadow buttercup is used for medical purposes

Meadow Buttercup, a popular type of buttercup, is used as a poultice to relieve chest pains, inflammation and cold. Of course, you can also use lymphatic oils.

The petals and leaves of this flower are crushed and scented as a headache remedy.

Additionally, the poultice roots are used as a rubefacient to treat abscesses and boils on the skin. (Buttercup flower)

3. Give them as a gift

Buttercups are available in different colors and are used as gift flowers. You can give it to your newlywed friends or acquaintances in bouquets on their anniversary or annual celebration.

Add a card with a beautiful quote on it and you’re ready to go. (Buttercup flower)

Most popular types of buttercup flowers

Now we move on to the most colorful part of the blog, the varieties of these flowers.

1. Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus Repens)

These are low plants with glossy, yellow, 5-petal flowers and dark green leaves divided into three leaflets.

It is considered a weed in many countries because it can spread rapidly, especially in wet soils, but it can be used as a ground cover if you have the courage to control it. (Buttercup flower)

Size	1 foot with flowers having a diameter of 2-3cm
Bloom time	March-August
Preferred conditions	Wet soil, low pH

2. Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus Acris)

One of the best-known wildflowers, Meadow Buttercup has waxy, yellow leaves and light green, hairy leaves. The flowers grow in arcs on slender stems.

The central organs and carpels are a major attraction for bees, so it’s common to see many of them flying over these flowers. (Buttercup flower)

Size	2-3 feet with flower having a diameter of 1 inch
Bloom time	May-Sep
Preferred conditions	Clay soil, full sun with partial shade

3. Persian Buttercup (Ranunculus Asiaticus)

They don’t look like the common Buttercup at all because they have ruffled, folded, paper-thin petals that are gathered together to give an extraordinary round shape.

This is the type commonly grown in gardens because:

A: they come in different colors

B: They do not spread like weeds (as in Creeping Buttercup)

Orange, pink, white, red; you name it and they have it. These are often used as a bouquet of cut flowers for decorations on different occasions like marriage or as an engagement gift to your loved ones. (Buttercup flower)

Size	1-2 feet with flower having a diameter of 3-5 inch
Bloom time	Early summers (cold regions), early spring (mild regions)
Preferred conditions	Well-drained soil, full sun

These are the bright flower choice for protection. You can make colorful combinations of these and make them look fresh in your rooms for a long time.

There is a wealth of online material on how to care for flowers.

Or if it requires a lot of labor and effort, you can simply buy flowers made of silk.

4. Kidneyleaf Buttercup (Ranunculus Abortivus)

You get the idea, right?

Its leaves are kidney-shaped, otherwise the flowers are typically the same as common buttercups; yellow and 5 leaves.

It has a large, bulbous center bearing stamens, carpels, and petals emerging from the underside.

Size	8-20 inches with flower having a diameter of 0.25 inches
Bloom time	April-June
Preferred conditions	Rich, moist soil

5. Aconite Leaf Buttercup (Ranunculus Aconitifolius)

They have the same anatomy as the original buttercup flower but are white in color. The leaves are bright green and small in size.

Size	12-30 inches with flower having a diameter of 1-3cm
Bloom time	May-June
Preferred conditions	Moist soil, full sun

Buttercup Flower Care Guide

We will discuss growing tips for garden buttercups, not wildflowers.

Soil requirement:

They grow best in well-drained, moderately moist soils. It is best if they are slightly acidic.

You can add sphagnum peat to the soil to make it acidic.

Well-drained soil means no waterlogging after rain or heavy watering.

The procedure of planting:

They are planted by seeds or by corms (tubers), but the latter is more common. Corms are plentiful in nurseries. As a general rule, the larger they are, the more the flowers will grow.

You need to place the claw part of the onion towards the soil, the fibrous part towards the sky, and the white part towards the sky.

Space them about 6-8 inches apart to allow enough room for the roots to grow. The roots of buttercups are fibrous and spread widely underground.

They should be planted 2 inches deep into the ground.

Use a spiral drill planter to quickly create holes and then cover them with soil using a trowel.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a trowel, but we’re very suspicious of a gardener without a trowel! You can wear your clawed garden gloves to prevent hand injuries.

Water abundantly after planting.

Light needs:

Buttercups require full sun, as do daisies and lavender. They need about 6 hours of sun a day to reach their full spark.

Wild species can grow in any light intensity, but garden buttercups, such as Persian Buttercups, need good light.

Avoid planting them where the sun is too hot because then fresh flowers may fall off the stems.

Watering:

You need to keep the soil moist for the first few weeks after the first planting so that they can take root perfectly. After that, watering every week will be enough.

If you see the leaves wilting, you should increase watering, but not over-watering. The soil should not feel wet.

Fertilizing:

High nitrogen water-soluble fertilizers are best for these flowers. With the sprayer, you can apply it every week after the first three weeks and after that, according to the growth rate.

Pests:

Aphids, molds and leaf miners can attack these species and make the leaves dry and yellow-brown. Spots may also occur on the leaves.

This should be avoided:

One way is to remove plant debris from the soil surrounding the flowers, as it is the home of insects.

Another way is to spray neem oil on the leaves as it forces the insects to disperse. It also inhibits their ability to eat and lay eggs.

Any side effects of buttercup flowers?

Yes there is.

We mentioned earlier that they are poisonous.

If you or your pets swallow them, it will cause irritation to the bladder and urinary tract. This can lead to diarrhea.

The juice from the leaves and stems can irritate the skin.

Secondly, attention should be paid to wild varieties such as creeping buttercup, as they like to spread out to the side.

They are called invasive species and you need to limit their growth to prevent the same from happening with you.

Summary – Buttercup flower facts

Finally, let’s summarize what we said:

• The scientific name of the buttercup genus is Ranunculus.
• Common buttercups are yellow and have five petals.
• There are about 600 types of flowers.
• All parts of the buttercup flower are poisonous to animals and humans.
• Its leaves have a reflective, waxy coating that makes them shine in the sunlight.
• They are heliotropic, meaning they follow the sun.

Conclusion

We highly recommend growing this flower if you haven’t already. If there are, we would definitely like to see their pictures in our comment section.