Plant guide

Meadow buttercup.

Ranunculus acris

Pronounced ra-NUN-kyoo-lus A-kris

Also known as Meadow Buttercup

The meadow buttercup is a charming perennial that brings a splash of yellow to fields and gardens. It thrives in moist, grassy areas and is quite hardy. You will love how it brightens up your landscape in late spring.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 3 feet
Growth rate: Medium

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist to mimic its natural meadow habitat. Watch for wilting during dry spells, which signals a need for more water. Remove spent blooms to encourage a second flush of flowers.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back dead foliage and spent flowers to keep the plant tidy.
Repotting: Repot if the plant becomes root bound in its container.
Soil: Moist, well draining soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5

Safety

Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

How to identify it

Glossy yellow five petaled flowers
Deeply divided palmate leaves
Hairy stems and foliage
Upright branching growth habit

Science

Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Ranunculus
Order: Ranunculales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your meadow buttercup looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.