Ranunculus Repens

Ranunculus repens Plant Description

The creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Ranunculaceae family. It is native to Europe but has since been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, Asia, and Australia. It is commonly found in wetlands, meadows, and along the edges of rivers and streams.

Ranunculus repens Is Used In Native Landscapes

The perennial has a prostrate growth habit, with long, creeping stems reaching up to 1.5 meters. The stems are slender, hairy, and often reddish. The leaves are alternate, trifoliate, and have long petioles. Each leaflet is roughly oval, has a toothed margin, and can reach 8 cm long. The upper surface of the leaves is shiny, while the lower surface is hairy.

The flowers of the creeping buttercup are bright yellow and have five petals. They are approximately 2 cm in diameter and are arranged in loose clusters at the end of long, upright stalks. The flowers bloom from May to August. And pollinated by insects, such as bees and butterflies.

The fruit of the perennial is a cluster of achenes, which are small, dry, one-seeded fruits. The achenes are oval and are covered in fine, silky hairs, which aid in their dispersal by the wind.

Ranunculus repens is a highly adaptable perennial plant

Creeping buttercup is a highly adaptable plant that can thrive in various soil types, from moist to well-drained and from sandy to heavy clay. It prefers areas that receive full sun or partial shade but can also grow in areas with full shade. It can tolerate moderate salinity levels and often grows near coastal areas.

While creeping buttercup has some ornamental value, it is considered beautiful and used for medicine in areas and can spread rapidly and outcompete native plants. It reproduces both by seed and vegetatively, as it can produce roots from its nodes, enabling it to form dense mats that can be difficult to eradicate.

Overall, the perennial is a highly adaptable and aggressive plant that can be difficult to control. Its attractive yellow flowers can be deceptive, as it is considered an invasive species in many areas and can negatively impact the native ecosystem