The buttercup, also known under the other names burn herb, lard flower, hot buttercup, Gilberich and houndstooth, is even known to children. Who doesn't know this flower that populates so many meadows in late spring?

The poisonous buttercup belongs to the buttercup family

A poisonous buttercup plant

The buttercup is the most common member of the buttercup family, also known as Ranunculaceae. Like all other plants within this family, the buttercup is loaded with toxins.

Two toxins and their effects on the body

In addition to the active ingredient called ranunculin, which is found in all buttercup plants, it is the substance called protoanemonin that makes buttercups so poisonous. The roots, in particular, are brimming with this ingredient, which turns into toxic anemonic acid when dried.

Anyone who eats fresh buttercups (one would hardly think of eating more of them because of the unpleasantly sharp taste) must expect symptoms of poisoning even with small amounts. These include, among others:

  • Burning in the mouth and throat
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • Vomit
  • dizziness
  • paralysis

There you will find the Buttercup!

This plant from the buttercup family can be found in wet meadows, at the edges of forests, in bushes, along roadsides and wherever the soil is rich in nitrogen and calcareous. It is native to Europe to Asia and even North America. Its main area of distribution is Central Europe. It can thrive at altitudes of up to 2,300 m.

Characteristics by which you can recognize them

You can easily recognize the buttercup based on these characteristics:

  • Flowering time in late spring
  • bare stems and leaves
  • angularly incised-sawn basal leaves
  • perennial herb
  • 20 to 100 cm high
  • Leaves are reminiscent of buttercups
  • round stems
  • alternate leaf arrangement
  • up to 3 cm wide, golden yellow flowers
  • Flower color is greasy shiny
  • green nut fruits from July to October

tips

The dandelion is also called buttercup. Buttercup is a common popular name for him, especially in southern Germany. But unlike the common buttercup, it is not poisonous.

Category:

Herbs