Plant guide

Creeping buttercup.

Ranunculus repens

Pronounced ra-NUN-kew-lus REE-penz

Also known as Creeping Buttercup, Double-flowered Creeping Buttercup

The creeping buttercup is a hardy perennial that spreads quickly through underground runners. It is often found in damp meadows or gardens where it can form dense mats. You will love its bright yellow flowers that pop up in the spring and summer.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 2 to 4 days
Mature size: 12 to 24 inches
Growth rate: Fast

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist to mimic its natural damp habitat. Watch for the plant spreading into areas where you do not want it, as it can become quite invasive. If the leaves start to yellow, it might be getting too much direct sun or drying out.

Watering: Keep the soil damp at all times.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back runners to control its spread throughout the growing season.
Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root bound or if you need to divide it to manage its size.
Soil: Moist, heavy, or clay soils
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5

Safety

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

How to identify it

Glossy bright yellow flowers
Deeply divided three lobed leaves
Spreading stems that root at nodes
Hairy stems and leaf stalks

Science

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

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your creeping 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.

Get the app

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.