perennial

Common Water Crowfoot

Ranunculus aquatilis 'White Picotee'

The Story

Plant Bio

Aquatic perennial with floating leaves and delicate flowers.

An aquatic perennial with both submerged, finely-divided leaves and floating, lobed leaves. Produces small, white, buttercup-like flowers that float on or rise just above the water surface.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds a serene aquatic aesthetic with elegant white blooms.

Provides habitat for aquatic insects and wildlife.

Supports pond biodiversity and water filtration.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

4 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Aquatic; requires standing or slow-moving water

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe, Asia, North Africa

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested; sap can cause skin irritation.

Bloom period

Early summer – Late summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring for best germination.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote root growth.
Plant in a pond or water garden for aquatic display.
Ensure soil remains consistently moist for healthy growth.
Divide clumps in early spring to propagate new plants.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Use a shallow water feature or container with aquatic soil for optimal growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist or submerged 🌱
Prune dead or damaged leaves to encourage healthy growth
Fertilize with a balanced aquatic plant fertilizer monthly

Don't

Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
Do not expose to harsh direct sunlight in hot climates
Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent algae growth

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Water garden centerpieceAquatic border with reflective qualitiesVanilla-scented pond edge

Companion Plants

LotusWater Lilies Pickerel Weed Cattails

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Common Water Crowfoot questions

What zones can Common Water Crowfoot grow in?

Common Water Crowfoot is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Common Water Crowfoot deer resistant?

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

When does Common Water Crowfoot bloom?

Common Water Crowfoot typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Common Water Crowfoot need full sun?

Common Water Crowfoot does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.