Lesser Spearwort

(Ranunculus flammula)

Lesser Spearwort (Ranunculus flammula)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ranunculus flammula, commonly known as Lesser Spearwort, is a perennial herb that thrives in wet meadows, marshes, and the margins of ponds and streams within the Boreal Kingdom, which includes regions of the northern temperate zone. It typically grows to a height of 10-50 cm (4-20 inches) and spreads via rhizomes. Lesser Spearwort has a slender, erect form and produces small, glossy yellow flowers from June to July. The flowers are about 1-2 cm across and are not particularly showy, but they add a subtle charm to water’s edge plantings.

Lesser Spearwort is valued for its ability to colonize wet areas, making it useful for stabilizing soil and providing habitat for aquatic wildlife. It is often used in bog gardens, around ponds, and in other water features. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions. It is relatively low maintenance but may require control to prevent it from spreading too widely. While it is not known for serious diseases or pest problems, it can become invasive outside its native range, so caution is advised when planting it in non-native areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: High, Aquatic
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Wet meadows, marshes, and the margins of ponds and streams within the Boreal Kingdom

Other Names

Common Names: Banewort , Greater Creeping Spearwort , Creeping Spearwort , Brennender Hahnenfuß

Scientific Names: Ranunculus flammula , Flammula ranunculus , Ranunculus caespititius , Ranunculus declinatus , Ranunculus filiformis var. hispidus , Ranunculus filiformis var. ovalis , Ranunculus flamma , Ranunculus flammeus , Ranunculus flammeus var. serratus , Ranunculus flammula f. gracilis

GBIF Accepted Name: