Creeping Buttercup, Prairie Double-flowered Buttercup, Water Buttercup, Creeping Buttercup

Ranunculus repens

Physical Characteristics

Ranunculus repens is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. It is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. 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.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to Spain, through Asia to China and Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Meadow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked and used as a pot-herb[2, 105]. A famine food, used when all else fails, and I would rather give it a miss even then[K]! See the notes above on toxicity. Root - must be dried beforehand and thoroughly cooked[118]. Personally, I would rather give this one a miss[K], see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Rubefacient The entire plant is analgesic and rubefacient[257]. A poultice of the chewed leaves has been used in the treatment of sores, muscular aches and rheumatic pains[257]. Some caution is advised in the use of this plant, see the notes above on toxicity.

Known Hazards

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