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Description
Ranunculus Lappaceus, commonly known as the creeping buttercup or rattleweed, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. The plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa but has been introduced to other parts of the world. It is characterized by its creeping habit and shiny yellow flowers that bloom from April to July.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus | Ranunculus |
Appearance
The creeping buttercup has a creeping habit, with roots that grow along the ground and form new plants. Its leaves are dark green and shiny, with three lobes and toothed edges. The flowers are bright yellow and have five petals, with a diameter of 2-3 cm. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
The creeping buttercup prefers moist soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun. It is a hardy plant that can survive in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. Here are some tips on how to care for the creeping buttercup:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The creeping buttercup prefers moist, well-drained soil.
- Sunlight: The plant can tolerate partial shade to full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: The creeping buttercup can survive in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The creeping buttercup is susceptible to various diseases and pests, including:
- Slugs and snails
- Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew
- Viral diseases such as mosaic virus
To prevent these problems, keep the plant healthy with proper care and remove any infected leaves or plants.
Habitat
The creeping buttercup is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. It can be found in meadows, fields, and along streams and rivers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the creeping buttercup a good plant for a beginner gardener?
A: The creeping buttercup is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, making it a good choice for beginner gardeners.
Q: Is the creeping buttercup poisonous?
A: Yes, the creeping buttercup is poisonous if ingested, so it should be kept away from children and pets.
Q: Can the creeping buttercup be used for medicinal purposes?
A: The creeping buttercup has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, but it should not be used without consulting a healthcare professional.
Q: How can I propagate the creeping buttercup?
A: The creeping buttercup can be propagated by division or by planting seeds in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Ranunculus acris
- Ranunculus asiaticus
- Ranunculus bulbosus
- Ranunculus repens
References
- “Creeping Buttercup.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/18099/ranunculus-repens/details
- “Ranunculus repens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281232&isprofile=0&basic=creeping%20buttercup
- “Ranunculus repens L.” Plants of the World Online. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:711453-1
