Meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris) is a flowering plant native to Europe. It has gained many nicknames related to its yellow flowers and ubiquity in meadow-like environments. Meadow buttercup is moderately toxic to both humans and livestock.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Ranunculus acris is a species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, and is one of the more common buttercups across Europe and temperate Eurasia. Common names include meadow buttercup, tall buttercup, common buttercup and giant buttercup.
Ranunculus acris is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows to a height of 30 to 100 cm, with ungrooved flowering stems bearing glossy yellow flowers about 25 mm across. There are five overlapping petals borne above five green sepals held upwards against the petals, that turn yellow as the flower matures. It has numerous stamens inserted below the ovary. The leaves are compound, with finely cut, hairy, leaflets. Unlike Ranunculus repens, the terminal leaflet is sessile. As with other members of the genus, the numerous seeds are borne as achenes.
The rare autumn buttercup (R. aestivalis) is sometimes treated as a variety of this species.
The juice of the plant is semi-poisonous to livestock, causing blistering.
Oils in the plant, probably present in the leaves and stems, contain the glycoside ranunculin, which when ingested can cause abdominal pains and intestinal disorders. When eaten by animals, the buttercups have caused blistering of the tongue and lips, diarrhea and blindness. Other symptoms of poisoning include ventricular fibrillation and respiratory failure.
R. acris is a species characteristic of grazed or mown neutral grassland communities, tending to occupy areas where drainage conditions are intermediate between those favoured by R. bulbosus in drier soils, and R. repens in wetter soils. Its abundance is said to be an indicator of grassland age and continuity but does not appear to be a good competitor in species-rich communities dominated by tall grasses.
The flower buds begin developing in late summer in the year before flowering. Floral development is promoted by low winter temperatures, and the plant passes the winter in a rosette form with small green leaves that appear to resist the ravages of frost. Reproduction occurs from seeds and short thick rhizomes that can split to form daughter plants
In horticulture the species may be regarded as a troublesome weed, colonising lawns and paths. However, it may be a welcome feature of wildflower meadows. The double-flowered cultivar R. acris ‘Flore Pleno’ has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Meadow buttercup grows best in full sun. It cannot grow without sunlight during the growth period, and won’t bloom without enough sunlight. Selecting a sunny location of your garden beds will help you induce early flowering. It can be planted in raised beds if light conditions don’t support it well in your outdoor garden.
For indoor cultivation, place on sunny balconies or rooftops, or near windows. In winter, sunlight gradually weakens. You may need to move it to a sunnier place to receive more sun.
Temperature
Meadow buttercup likes a dry and cool climate but is not resistant to severe cold or heat. The best temperature for growth is around 16 ℃ in the daytime and 8 ℃ at night. It won’t grow well if the temperatures between day and night differ too much.
Meadow buttercup will go dormant in the high temperatures of summer. The temperature in winter should not go lower than 0 ℃. It likes a moist environment, but can’t tolerate accumulated water in the root zone. During active plant growth, water 9 to 10 mm weekly to keep the topsoil moist. When the plant is dormant with only the bulb present under the soil, water 7 to 8 mm every two weeks.
Watering
Originating from moist meadows, meadow buttercup thrives in environments that mimic its native habitat’s consistent moisture levels. This species exhibits a preference for evenly moist soil and is moderately drought-tolerant. To maintain its hydration balance, meadow buttercup should be watered every week. As an herbaceous perennial commonly grown outdoors, meadow buttercup’s watering needs are closely tied to its active growing season; ensuring adequate moisture during this period is crucial for optimal growth and flowering.
Soil
Meadow buttercup likes to grow in well-drained acidic soils, with more nutrients and good air permeability. For potted plants, mix garden soil, leaf mold, and fine sand at a 4:2:1 ratio. The suitable soil pH is 5.8-6.5, which allows the root system to absorb oxygen smoothly and grow well.
For potted plants, use sandy loam that is rich in humus. This kind of soil is rich in nutrients, loose, and aerating, which is beneficial for root development and growth. Soil compaction or poor drainage can result in rotting roots due to waterlogging, so the flowerpot should be changed or the soil improved if plants appear rootbound.
Fertilizing
Before planting, apply fully decomposed organic fertilizer as a base. Mix 1/3 of fully decomposed organic matter into the planting soil evenly. No top dressing is required before you plant the corms. After planting, fertilize with diluted NPK during blooming time.
After the flowers wither, apply fertilizer rich in potassium or phosphorus 1-2 times; spray the foliage with water-soluble NPK (0:10:11). Keep fertilizing your meadow buttercup until the foliage turns yellow and withers and the leaves start to fall from the plant. This is when underground corms are storing energy for future crops.
Planting Instructions
Always buy healthy, jumbo-size corms, as they yield more branches and flowers. Plant 10 to 15 cm apart and bury corms 5 cm below garden soil, with claws facing downward.
Soak corms in water for 12 hours to help them germinate and keep them in controlled temperature for 15 days. Meadow buttercup can be planted outdoors when sprouting starts. This process initiates earlier flowering than the conventional sowing method. The temperature for planting corms is 10 to 15 ℃; they will germinate in 2 weeks.
Sowing by seed also works in spring or fall. Disinfect the planting medium before spreading it in the bed. Wet the soil and evenly spread seeds after the water permeates. Cover seeds with fine soil and moisten occasionally if needed. It takes about 15-90 days for seeds to germinate, depending on the variety.
Pruning
Deadhead faded flowers during the active growing season. That encourages more bloom while cutting fresh flowers. When flowering stops and leaves start to yellow and wither, stop watering the plants and allow the leaves to die back fully.
Cut off the entire top of the plant, dig the corms out, and store them in a cool, dry place for the upcoming season. Treat corms with a fungicide solution before storing and planting. Where corms are hardy in the soil, they can be left undisturbed as long as the soil is kept dry during summer. As for potted plants, reserve 3-5 robust flower buds for each plant during the bud stage, and pick the rest.
Propagation
Meadow buttercup mainly propagates by Spring sowing; this process is fairly easy. Look for numerous seedlings as a sign of successful propagation. Consistently moist soil will enhance seed germination.
Transplanting
Optimal timing for relocating meadow buttercup falls in the heart of spring, offering balanced temperatures for root establishment. Choose a well-lit area with moist soil, ensuring meadow buttercup’s vigorous growth. Gentle handling during the move can prevent transplant shock.
Repotting
A thriving meadow buttercup is best repotted every 2-3 years due to its moderate growth rate. Spring repotting aligns with its active growth phase, ensuring a smoother transition. Choose a container 1-2 inches larger to accommodate growth. Post-repotting, place meadow buttercup in indirect light and maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Regularly monitor to prevent any stress and encourage robust growth.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
Meadow buttercup is a summer-flowering wildflower that can be planted in wildflower gardens and meadows. The eye-catching bold yellow of this tall wildflower can be used to break up tall grasses and naturalize boggy areas.
- Uses by Native Americans
The Abenaki smash the flowers and leaves and sniff them for headaches. The Bella Coola apply a poultice of pounded roots to boils. The Micmac use the leaves for headaches. The Montagnais inhale the crushed leaves for headaches.
The Cherokee use it as a poultice for abscesses, use an infusion for oral thrush, and use the juice as a sedative. They also cook the leaves and eat them as greens.
The Iroquois apply a poultice of the smashed plant to the chest for pains and for colds, take an infusion of the roots for diarrhea, and apply a poultice of plant fragments with another plant to the skin for excess water in the blood.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Meadow buttercup rewards the gardener generously when they blossom. Harvest when the buds are colored. Use sharp garden shears to harvest them when the temperature is low in the morning and put them in a vase with clean water promptly to avoid water loss. These beauties may have 5-7 days’ vase life.
