Family: Ranunculaceae
Common name: Creeping buttercup, Creeping crowfoot, Spot-leaved crowfoot, Sitfast
Creeping buttercup is a small, quick-spreading wild plant that produces beautiful yellow flowers on tall stalks. They are mostly seen in moist environments in temperate countries of Europe, Northern Asia, North western Africa.
Plant characteristics
Creeping buttercups are perennials plants that only grow to a height of 30-50 cm, but they can spread quickly no the ground through running roots called stolons.
The root system is fibrous with running stolons that can produce root at each node, helping the plant propagate very quickly; but making it difficult to remove them from the soil.
Stem of Creeping buttercup is green, often growing horizontally for some length before it grows upwards. They are hollow, branched and covered with thin, white hairs. Leaves are green, glossy, hairy, and typically three-lobed. They are 3-7 cm long with deeply serrated edges, giving them a feathery appearance.
Flowers are very pretty – bright yellow flowers that stand tall above the foliage. Creeping buttercup flowers have five distinct petals that are glossy and delicate. These flowers are 2-3 cm in diameter with distinct stamens that form a cluster at the center.
Creeping buttercup flowers are commonly seen in spring and summer, blooming profusely covering large meadows with bright yellow flowers, attracting small birds, bees, and butterflies.
Once pollinated, the flowers produce a cluster of small dry fruits that do not open to release the seeds. These fruits are dispersed by wind, water, and small animals.
Growing Tips
Creeping buttercups prefer good sunlight, but they can grow in the partial shade of large trees. These plants love moist, waterlogged soil, and are often found in low-lying areas that have stagnant water.
Since these plants are quite sturdy and quick-growing, they are difficult to remove from the soil.
Even if the plant is pulled out, a small piece of root in the ground can produce a new plant. Regular mowing and cutting can prevent the plant from flowering and seeding.
Herbicides are also used to remove Creeping buttercups, but this should be done carefully so as to not damage other plants. These plants are toxic to animals and are hence avoided by grazing animals.
Uses of Creeping buttercup
While they are considered a nuisance, these little plants can contribute to the biodiversity of wetland areas, helping insects and small organisms grow and thrive. They can prevent soil erosion with their long, fibrous network of roots.
Traditionally, these plants have been used in the treatment of blisters, warts, and rheumatism. But exposure to the sap of the plant can cause skin irritation, and hence these plants should be handled carefully.
The name Ranunculus comes from ‘rana’ which means little frog, because these plants are usually seen in water-logged areas.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stolon-like roots, both very effective methods of propagation.
Trailing roots can be pulled up gently, separated from the parent plant and replanted to produce new plants. Seeds can also germinate quickly in moist, wet soil.
Photographed at: London
