Creeping Buttercup

(Ranunculus repens)

Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ranunculus repens, commonly known as Creeping Buttercup, is a deciduous perennial herb that is native to a variety of habitats including damp meadows, grasslands, and the margins of freshwater bodies such as streams and ponds. It is also found in moist, open woodlands. This plant is widespread across Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia, and has been introduced to other parts of the world. Creeping Buttercup typically grows to 50 cm (20 in) tall and is known for its golden yellow, glossy flowers that are 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 in) in diameter, usually with five petals, and borne on finely grooved stems. The flowers are particularly showy due to their reflective petals, which enhance pollinator attraction and assist in the thermoregulation of the flower’s reproductive organs. The plant has distinctive three-lobed dark green leaves with white spots that emerge from the nodes.

Creeping Buttercup is valued for its bright, cheerful flowers and can be used as ground cover in moist, shaded garden areas. It is also appreciated for its ability to thrive in wet conditions where other plants might struggle. However, gardeners should be aware that it can spread aggressively via runners and may become problematic if not managed properly. It prefers full sun to part shade and does best in soils with slow drainage. While it can tolerate a range of soil types, it flourishes in moist, fertile soils. Due to its invasive potential, it is important to consider local regulations and its behavior in non-native areas before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.8-1 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to damp meadows, grasslands, freshwater margins, and moist open woodlands across Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Creeping Crowfoot, Lav Ranunkel, Kriechender Hahnenfuss, Rönsyleinikki, Renoncule Rampante, Krypsoleie, Kruipende Boterbloem, Revsmörblomma, Revranunkel, 가는미나리아재비

Scientific Names: , Ranunculus repens, Ranunculus reptabundus, Ranunculus infestus, Ranunculastrum repens, Ranunculus repens var. pleniflorus, Ranunculus repens f. prostratus, Ranunculus repens var. erectus, Ranunculus repens var. glabratus, Ranunculus repens var. villosus

GBIF Accepted Name: Ranunculus repens L.