Tall Buttercup, Common Buttercup, Giant Buttercup, Meadow Buttercup
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Ranunculales, Family: Ranunculaceae, Genus: Ranunculus, Species: Ranunculus acris · Ranunculaceae (Buttercup or Crowfoot family) · Simple, deeply divided; Deciduous
Species
Ranunculus acris
Leaf Type
Simple, deeply divided; Deciduous
Family
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup or Crowfoot family)
Shape
Palmately lobed or divided into 3 to 7 deep, narrow segments
Size
Approximately 1.5 to 3 inches wide; typical for the mid-stem foliage of this species.
Margin
Deeply lobed and serrate (toothed) along the upper margins of the lobes
Arrangement
Alternate along the stem; basal leaves (not shown) usually have longer petioles and broader lobes.
Rarity
Very Common; frequently considered a weed in agricultural and pastoral lands.
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface, slightly paler beneath; turns yellowish-brown when pressed or dried; no distinct variegation.
Venation Pattern
Palmate venation branching into the deep lobes, becoming reticulate in the blade sections.
Texture & Surface
In the field, leaves are typically soft and appressed-pubescent (with fine, flat hairs); appearing matte and papery in this dried specimen.
Description
An upright perennial herb reaching 1-3 feet in height. It features iconic glossy, five-petaled yellow flowers with numerous central stamens. The stems are hollow and hairy, and the foliage becomes more finely divided higher up the plant.
Key Features
Glossy yellow petals; deeply divided, palmate leaves; sepals that are spread out (not reflexed) beneath the petals; and hairy, non-bulbous stems.
Habitat
Meadows, pastures, roadsides, and grassy clearings; prefers moist, well-draining soils and full sun to partial shade.
Geographic Range
Native to Europe and temperate Eurasia; widely naturalized and often invasive across North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Condition Notes
The specimen is a dried, pressed herbarium-style sample. The flowers retain good color (Excellent), while the foliage shows standard darkening from the drying process (Good).
Interesting Facts
The genus name Ranunculus means 'little frog,' referring to many species growing near water. The glossy appearance of the petals is caused by a unique layer of starch cells that reflect light through the yellow pigment.
Medicinal & Uses
Historically used in tiny amounts for skin blistering or rheumatism, but largely avoided today due to toxicity. Primarily an ornamental or a weed; has no safe modern culinary use.
Ecological Role
Provides pollen and nectar for bees, flies, and beetles. However, it can dominate pastures because livestock avoid eating it due to its acrid taste and toxicity.
Similar Species
Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup) has stolons and the terminal leaf lobe is stalked; Ranunculus bulbosus (Bulbous Buttercup) has a swollen base and reflexed sepals.
Foraging Tips
Look for the tallest yellow flowers in a meadow from late spring to summer. Note the lack of a bulbous root and the deeply cut, 'crowfoot' appearance of the leaves.
Toxicity Warning
Highly Toxic; contains protoanemonin which causes blistering of the skin/mouth and severe gastric distress if ingested. Toxic to cattle, horses, and humans.