Water Crowfoot
Ranunculus aquatilis
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Pl. 3191 — Ranunculus aquatilis
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IOverview
Overview
Water Crowfoot (Ranunculus aquatilis) is a perennial forb or herb known for its light and moist habitat preferences, thriving in environments with soil types ranging from sandy to clay and growing well in pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5. Native to regions including Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and other parts of Europe and North Africa, this plant is valued for its edible leaves, which can be consumed raw or cooked. Its distinctive features include its light: 8/10 rating and ability to grow in various hardiness zones from 4-8, making it adaptable to different climates within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Water Crowfoot?
Water Crowfoot (Ranunculus aquatilis) is a perennial forb or herb known for its light and moist habitat preferences, thriving in environments with soil types ranging from sandy to clay and growing well in pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5.
What is Water Crowfoot used for?
Traditionally used for topical & skin, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Water Crowfoot
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Water Crowfoot has been traditionally used in topical applications for skin conditions, such as minor irritations and rashes.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but may involve anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce redness and irritation when applied topically.
- Water Crowfoot has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine for digestive issues, often prepared as a decoction to soothe the stomach and aid digestion.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that interact with gastrointestinal receptors or enzymes to alleviate symptoms of indigestion.
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.
Water Crowfoot support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Water Crowfoot thrives in moist to wet conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 5.5–6.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-8 and can be grown as an annual or perennial forb/herb. For best results, plant it in partial to full shade. Propagate through division or seed sowing. Harvest the edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist, Wet, water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Water Crowfoot for the first time
8steps
Start with simple soil and basic care for Water Crowfoot, making it a manageable project for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, planting container, potting mix suitable for water-loving plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a container with good drainage holes. Fill it with potting mix that is moist, well-draining but slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the soil surface and cover lightly. Alternatively, plant young water crowfoot plants at a depth of about 1 inch.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Place the container in partial shade to avoid direct sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide plenty of water, especially during dry periods. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, using heavy soil that doesn't drain well, neglecting regular fertilization.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The water crowfoot's leaves are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are typically prepared fresh in salads for their mild flavor or steamed as a vegetable. The plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe20 regions
native (20)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaUkraineUnited Kingdom
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
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, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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