In spring, one plant dominates almost every spring meadow: the yellow flowers of buttercups, which are also called buttercups in some regions. The hot buttercup is the most common, although there are countless varieties of this species. For gardeners, the buttercup is a weed because it likes to spread not only in the lawn.
The bright yellow buttercup is better known as the buttercup
Ranunculus - A Wanted Poster
- botanical name: Ranunculus
- popular names: buttercup
- Species: over 600 species
- Family: Ranunculaceae
- Origin: native plant
- Occurrence: worldwide except Antarctica
- Location: damp meadows, compacted areas
- Annual/perennial: perennial
- Propagation: seeds, root suckers
- Height: 30 to 60 centimeters
- Flower color: yellow, shiny
- Flower structure: radial, 15 - 25 mm wide, 5 petals, many flowers
- Flowering period: June to September
- Leaves: Green, depending on the variety, smooth, notched, toothed or serrated
- Fruits: follicles or nutlets
- Toxicity: yes, in all parts of the plant
How did the buttercup get its name?
The name buttercup refers to the leaves, which resemble the feet of birds. It is called buttercup because of its yellow petals, which are the color of fresh butter.
The botanical name Ranunculus comes from Latin and means little frog. It is probably due to the preferred location of most buttercup species, namely damp locations - exactly where frogs live.
Species commonly found in Germany
- Spicy buttercup
- Burning buttercup
- Bulbous Ranunculus
- Poison Ranunculus
The hot ranunculus is particularly common. It is characterized by small flowers. It can be found on wet meadows and at the edges of ponds.
Ranunculus was considered a weed by gardeners because the plant spreads widely via seeds and runners. You can hardly drive it out of the garden and especially from lawns. Ranunculus is only valued at garden ponds for its pretty yellow flowers.
Hahnenklee is only grown as a cultivated plant in the garden bed. These breeds are characterized by large flowers and a not so strong willingness to grow.
tips
Ranunculus was originally one of the medicinal plants. Due to the toxic protoanemonin it contains, the plant is indigestible and is therefore only used in homeopathy. The plant sap is toxic upon contact and can trigger ranunculus dermatitis.