Meadow Buttercup

Scientific Name: 
Ranunculus acris

Meadow Buttercup is a widespread and common perennial in meadows and pastures, and is also found in parks, gardens and woodland edges. It prefers slightly damper, calcareous sites where it can grow so dense, it forms yellow meadows that dazzle in the sunshine. It flowers between April and October.

How to identify: 
Meadow Buttercup has yellow flowers, about 2cm across that comprise five, shiny petals. It has rounded leaves divided into three to seven lobes, and doesn't possess the runners of Creeping Buttercup.
Where to find it: 
Found throughout the country.
How people can help: 

The Wildlife Trusts manage many grassland and woodland habitats sympathetically for the benefit of all kinds of wildlife. We are also working closely with farmers, landowners and developers to promote wildlife-friendly practices. We have a vision of a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country, which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.

Statistics: 
Height: up to 1m
Conservation status: 
Common.
Did you know?: 
Meadow Buttercups can become common in grazed pastures because they are poisonous to grazing animals: they have a chemical called protoanemonin in their sap.
Seasons: 
Spring
Summer
Autumn
When to see
Start date: 
April
End date: 
October
Image: 
Meadow buttercup - Zsuzsanna Bird