Lesser Spearwort, Greater creeping spearwort

Ranunculus flammula

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Basic Information

Family: Ranunculaceae

Genus: ranunculus

Plant ID (slug): ranunculus-flammula

Numeric ID: 22113

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Ranunculus flammula is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, bees. The plant is self-fertile. 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 or wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

Most of Europe, including Britain, to temperate Asia.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

The whole plant is strongly rubefacient[4]. A tincture of the plant is used to cure ulcers[4].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are poisonous when fresh, the toxins are destroyed by heat or by drying[4, 10, 19, 21, 65]. The plant also has a strongly acrid juice that can cause blistering to the skin[65, 183].