California Buttercup

Ranunculus californicus

Physical Characteristics

Ranunculus californicus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

South-western N. America - Oregon to S. California..

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - cooked[257]. It is usually ground into a powder and can then be used as a mush with water, a flavouring in soups, or mixed with cereals when making bread etc[105, 161, 257].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Although no specific record of toxicity has been found for this plant, many if not all members of this genus are poisonous. These toxins can be destroyed by heat or by drying[4, 10, 13, 19, 62, 65]. Many if not all plants in this genus also have a strongly acrid juice that can cause blistering to the skin[65, 183].