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Description
Commonly known as bulbous buttercup, other common names include St. Anthony’s turnip, goldcup due to the colour and shape of its leaves, and frogs-foot because of their form, Ranunculus bulbosus is a distinctive member of the Ranunculaceae family.
This perennial plant, native to Europe but introduced to North America and other regions, thrives in well-drained soils in meadows, pastures, and dry grasslands, preferring sunny locations. It grows to a height of 20-50 cm, featuring deeply divided, hairy leaves and bright yellow, glossy flowers that bloom from April to June.
The bulbous buttercup gets its name from its bulb-like corm, which survives underground through the winter after the plant dies back in the summer heat. The flowers are pollinated by insects, particularly bees and flies. However, the plant contains toxic compounds that can cause skin irritation and are harmful if ingested.
Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine for external treatments, though its toxic nature limits its applications. While providing a cheerful spring display, bulbous buttercups can be invasive, competing with native plants and crops, necessitating careful management in agricultural settings.
