Meadow buttercup is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), originally native to Eurasia but now naturalized across most of the US and Canada. The species epithet is from the Latin for “sharp,” apparently referring to the narrow and pointed lobes of the leaves on the upper portion of the erect stem. Meadow buttercup grows spontaneously in meadows, roadsides, pastures and disturbed area. It favors sunny positions on moist, humus-rich soil. The meadow buttercup has some of the largest flowers of the weedy species. Their shining yellow petals appear almost varnished. This species is a garden weed in most circumstances, but a welcome addition to a wildflower meadow. Although not native, this species has flowers that attract pollinators, especially hoverflies. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. More information on Ranunculus .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
#perennial weed #problem for dogs #problem for horses #problem for cats #contact dermatitis
Problems & Resistance
Problems
Problem for Cats; Problem for Dogs; Problem for Horses; Weedy
Poison severity
Medium
Poison parts
Leaves; Roots; Sap/Juice; Stems
Poison symptoms
In livestock, ingestion has caused blistering of the tongue and lips, diarrhea and blindness. Consumption can also cause irregular heart rhythm and respiratory failure.
Toxic principle
ranunculin
Contact dermatitis
No
Toxicity summary
Medium severity poison; parts: Leaves; Roots; Sap/Juice; Stems