Ranunculus montanus, commonly known as the mountain buttercup, is a perennial herb native to alpine meadows and rocky slopes in the mountains of central and south-central Europe, extending to the subarctic regions of the Republic of Karelia in Russia. It typically grows to a modest height of 10-30 centimeters, with a similar spread, forming clumps of deeply lobed, green leaves. The species is particularly noted for its bright yellow, glossy flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer, adding a splash of color to rock gardens and alpine displays. The flowers are moderately showy, with a simple yet charming appeal.

The mountain buttercup is appreciated for its hardiness in cold environments and its ability to thrive in well-drained, gritty soils with full sun to partial shade exposure. It is often used in rock gardens, alpine collections, and as an ornamental feature in borders due to its compact size and vibrant flowers. While it requires minimal maintenance, it is important to avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot. ’Molten Gold,’ a cultivar of Ranunculus montanus, has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional performance in gardens. Despite its beauty, gardeners should be cautious as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation upon contact.CC BY-SA 4.0