Meadow Buttercup
Ranunculus acrisfam. Ranunculaceae
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Pl. F844 — Ranunculus acris
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IOverview
Overview
Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) is a perennial herb belonging to the Ranunculaceae family and is native to Turkey-in-Europe. This plant thrives in moist, wet habitats with light to heavy soil types, making it adaptable to various conditions such as sandy, medium, or clay soils. Known for its edible leaves, Meadow Buttercup has been utilized by humans for centuries. Additionally, the plant has documented medicinal uses, highlighting its importance in traditional medicine. One distinctive feature of this species is its height, reaching up to 1 meter, which sets it apart from other Ranunculus varieties. Its light energy requirement and pH preference of 6.5–7 further define its growing conditions, making it a noteworthy addition to botanical studies and gardens alike.
Quick answers
What is Meadow Buttercup?
Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) is a perennial herb belonging to the Ranunculaceae family and is native to Turkey-in-Europe. This plant thrives in moist, wet habitats with light to heavy soil types, making it adaptable to various conditions such as sandy, medium, or clay soils.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Meadow Buttercup support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Meadow Buttercup thrives in moist to wet conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. It is a perennial forb/herb that grows up to 1 meter tall. For best results, provide it with soil pH between 6.5 and 7. The plant requires moderate to high light levels but can tolerate some shade. Keep the soil consistently moist for optimal growth. Propagate through division or seed sowing. Harvest edible leaves as needed. Hardy in temperate regions, this plant is native to Turkey-in-Europe.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Meadow Buttercup for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow Meadow Buttercup for a beginner-friendly gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, garden soil, a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5–7. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep in the garden bed or transplant young plants into prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and flowers to maintain a neat appearance and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too sunny a location, neglecting regular watering during dry spells.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Meadow Buttercup are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are typically prepared by boiling or steaming to reduce their bitter taste. Skip the raw consumption for a milder experience.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe13 regions
native (13)AlbaniaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandIrelandRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Kazakhstan
Americas1 region
native (1)Greenland
Broader regions
native:Krasnoyarsk, Kirgizstan, Aleutian Is., Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Turkey-in-Europe, Altay, Amur, Chita, Føroyar, Kuril Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Ranunculaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Ranunculaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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