Ranunculus acris (Meadow buttercup)

Botanical name

Ranunculus acris

Other names

Tall buttercup, Meadow buttercup

Genus

Ranunculus Ranunculus

Species

R. acris - R. acris is an upright perennial with small, green, palmate leaves and shallow, yellow, saucer shaped flowers that bloom in summer.

Native to

Europe, Western Asia

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Clump-forming, Upright

Toxicity

Sap may cause skin irritation. Poisonous if injested.

Colour

Flower

Yellow in Summer

Foliage

Green in Spring; Green in Summer

General care

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Ranunculus acris (Meadow buttercup) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Low Maintenance, Meadow, Waterside, Wildflower, Wildlife

Cultivation

Plant in moist but well-drained or moisture-retentive soil in full sun or partial shade.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Boggy damp conditions, Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3, Zone 2

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Ranunculus acris (Meadow buttercup)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Hyalesthes obsoletus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Planthopper which can vector the pathogen causing Potato stolbur disease. Present elsewhere in Europe and increasing its range due to a new a nettle-preferring race. Main breeding hosts are not traded as planting material; but some minor hosts (e.g. Lavender) are.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/