Spicy buttercup is extremely unpopular with farmers and gardeners for a reason. The plant is poisonous and tends to spread widely. As a result, it displaces lawns and important fodder plants. Cultivated varieties can also be cultivated in the garden. A profile.
What is sharp buttercup and how to care for it in the garden?
Sharp buttercup (Ranunculus acris) is a poisonous perennial that occurs in meadows and fields. The plant has golden yellow flowers and grows 30-100 cm high. Cultivated varieties such as “multiplex” are suitable for the garden. Care includes little watering and fertilizing.
Spicy buttercup – a profile
- Botanical name: Ranunculus acris
- popular names: buttercup, houndstooth
- Family: Buttercup family – Ranunculaceae
- Plant form: perennial herb
- Occurrence: meadows, fields, compacted soils
- Height: 30 to 100 cm
- Leaves: basal, long-stalked, three main segments
- Flower: up to 2 cm in diameter
- Flower color: golden yellow
- Flowering period: May to September
- Propagation: generative (exclusively via seeds)
- Winter hardiness: completely hardy
- Toxicity: poisonous in all parts
Growing sharp buttercups in the garden
While the buttercup is feared as a poisonous weed in fields and pastures, there are also some varieties that are suitable for care in the garden.
The “multiplex” variety, for example, produces very beautiful double flowers that provide golden yellow color effects during the flowering period from April to June.
There is no need to fear spread as the flowers of cultivated buttercup are sterile. Propagation can be done by dividing the perennials.
Caring for sharp buttercups in the garden
Sharp buttercup grows preferentially in sunny to semi-shady locations in flower borders. The perennial can also be grown in a pot.
A loamy, not too dry garden soil is sufficient as a substrate. In general, Spicy Buttercup prefers it moist to dry.
Just like the wild representative of this species, sharp buttercups hardly need any care. Watering is only necessary in very dry summers. Fertilizing can also be avoided because the plant needs very few nutrients.
Spicy buttercup is poisonous
Spicy buttercups, whether the wild or cultivated members of the family, are poisonous in all parts. Even the plant sap that comes out when cutting can cause skin irritation. Gloves should therefore always be worn when caring for the plant.
If the plant is accidentally eaten, symptoms of poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea and increased pulse become noticeable.
Children should be encouraged not to pick these flowers.
Tip
Fighting buttercups is not that easy. Infected meadows and lawns must be mowed early so that no flowers and therefore no seeds can form.