perennial

Meadow Buttercup

The Story

Plant Bio

Ranunculus acris is an erect herbaceous perennial native to Europe and temperate Eurasia, growing up to three feet tall with deeply divided, palmately lobed leaves. In late spring through early summer, it produces loose clusters of cup-shaped flowers featuring five glossy, brilliant yellow petals.

The species is easily distinguished by its bright yellow petals and smooth, ungrooved stems rising from a short rhizomatous root system. All plant parts contain protoanemonin, an acrid sap that causes skin blistering on contact and deters grazing animals.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces bright, reflective yellow flowers held high above deeply cut, dark green foliage.

Extremely resistant to deer and rabbit browsing due to unpalatable, bitter sap compounds.

Attracts native bees, hoverflies, and beetles seeking spring pollen and nectar.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

39"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moist to Wet

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe, Temperate Eurasia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested; causes contact skin blistering

Bloom period

Late spring – Midsummer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun or partial shade with consistently moist to damp soil.
Plant dormant crowns or container stock in early spring, spacing plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
Keep the soil uniformly moist, providing supplemental irrigation during hot summer periods.
Deadhead fading flower stalks down to the base to prevent aggressive self-seeding.
Cut back dead winter foliage in late winter before new spring growth emerges.

Pro Tip

Wear thick rubber gloves when handling or cutting stems to prevent skin contact with the acrid, blistering sap.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear protective gloves and long sleeves when handling plant stems or foliage.
Maintain high soil moisture in loamy, heavy, or clay garden beds.
Deadhead spent bloom clusters to control unwanted self-sowing.

Don't

Do not plant in dry, unwatered soil beds subject to drought.
Do not allow livestock, dogs, or cats to graze on fresh foliage.
Do not apply excess nitrogen fertilizer, which induces floppy, invasive growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Mulch
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rain GardenBog GardenCottage GardenWildflower MeadowMoist Pond Margin

Companion Plants

Caltha palustris Geum triflorum Iris versicolor Filipendula ulmaria

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Meadow Buttercup questions

What zones can Meadow Buttercup grow in?

Meadow Buttercup is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Meadow Buttercup deer resistant?

Yes — Meadow Buttercup is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Meadow Buttercup bloom?

Meadow Buttercup typically blooms in late spring through midsummer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Meadow Buttercup need full sun?

Meadow Buttercup does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.