Meadow buttercup
Ranunculus acris, family Ranunculaceae
A tall yellow wildflower found in meadows and grasslands across Eurasia
Meadow buttercup is a perennial wildflower with shiny yellow blooms and finely cut leaves, growing in grasslands and meadows throughout Europe, temperate Asia, and other regions where it has spread. While attractive in wildflower meadows, it is often considered a weed in pastures and lawns, and its sap is toxic to livestock.
- Glossy yellow flowers with five petals appear in spring and summer
- Native to Europe and temperate Asia, now found in many regions worldwide
- Toxic sap can blister livestock mouths and cause digestive problems
- Used in traditional remedies by several Native American groups
- Double-flowered 'Flore Pleno' is grown in gardens
What does Meadow buttercup look like?
Meadow buttercup is a perennial herb that can reach up to a meter tall. Its stems are smooth and upright, carrying glossy yellow flowers about 2.5 cm wide. Each flower has five overlapping petals and green sepals that turn yellow as the flower ages. The leaves are divided into narrow, hairy segments. The plant produces many seeds, each contained in a small dry fruit called an achene.
Where does Meadow buttercup come from?
This buttercup is native to much of Europe and temperate parts of Asia, and now grows in many other regions after being introduced. It is found in grasslands, meadows, and pastures, thriving where the soil is neither too wet nor too dry. Over time, it has spread widely and is now present in places like Alaska, Greenland, and New Zealand, where it is sometimes considered invasive.
When and how Meadow buttercup blooms
Meadow buttercup develops its flower buds in late summer, with the plant overwintering as a rosette of leaves that can withstand frost. It blooms from spring into summer. The plant reproduces by seed and by dividing its short, thick underground stems, which can form new plants. It is often found in grazed or mown grasslands.
How Meadow buttercup is used
While often seen as a weed in lawns and pastures, meadow buttercup is valued in wildflower meadows. Some Native American groups have used parts of the plant in traditional remedies, such as poultices for skin problems or infusions for headaches and other ailments. However, its sap is toxic and can cause blistering if eaten by livestock.
Kinds of Meadow buttercup
Gardeners sometimes grow a double-flowered form called 'Flore Pleno', which has received recognition from horticultural societies. There are related species and rare forms, but meadow buttercup is one of the most widespread and recognizable.
What Meadow buttercup means
Meadow buttercup is often seen as a sign of old, established grasslands. Its bright yellow flowers are a familiar sight in meadows and have become a symbol of wild, untamed fields. In some areas, its spread as a weed has led to significant costs for agriculture, especially in places like New Zealand.
Where Meadow buttercup is used and seen
Questions people ask about Meadow buttercup
Where does meadow buttercup come from?
Meadow buttercup is native to Europe and temperate parts of Asia, but it has spread to many other regions, including North America and New Zealand, where it sometimes becomes invasive.
What does meadow buttercup look like?
It is a tall wildflower with smooth stems and shiny yellow flowers about 2.5 cm across. The leaves are finely divided and hairy, and each flower has five petals and green sepals that turn yellow as the flower ages.
Is meadow buttercup poisonous?
Yes, the plant contains toxic compounds that can cause blistering and digestive issues in livestock. Its sap can also irritate the skin and mouth.
How is meadow buttercup used?
Some Native American groups have used it in traditional medicine, applying poultices or making infusions for headaches and other ailments. However, it is mostly valued for its presence in wildflower meadows.
What does meadow buttercup symbolise?
It is often seen as a sign of old meadows and natural grasslands, representing wild and untamed fields.
Good reading and sources
- Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
- Ranunculus acris 'Flore Pleno' (d)Royal Horticultural Society, Article
- USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
- Ranunculus acris on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Ranunculus acris", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
Others in the family Ranunculaceae
The whole family
ButtercupRanunculus
A widespread group of bright, often shiny-petalled wild and garden flowers
Ranunculus · Wildflower
Anemone
Perennial wildflowers with colorful, petal-like sepals known as windflowers
Anemone · Wildflower
MonkshoodAconitum
Tall, hooded wildflowers of mountain meadows, known for beauty and deadly poison
Aconitum · Wildflower
Clematis
A climbing vine with showy flowers, prized in gardens worldwide
Clematis · Wildflower