Ranunculus

Buttercup is a genus of perennial or annual herbs in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). The genus of more than 1,700 species is found worldwide, especially in cool, moist habitats. The meaning of the Latin genus name is “little frog,” perhaps bestowed because many species are found in the same habitats as frogs.

These plants do best in full to partial (afternoon) sun. When planting the tuberous species, cover the tuberous roots with 3 inches of soil and space plants 3 to 6 inches apart. Soak the tubers for 1 hour before planting or water well once planted. 

The leaves are usually alternate and palmately lobed or divided. The foliage tends to die down in the summer. Annual species seem to be winter or early spring annuals, dying down by summer. While the flowers of most species are yellow, some species have white, pink or even orange flowers. The flowers give way to a head of small, dry achenes, which disperse readily. Because of this, some species can be a bit weedy in disturbed areas.  

Buttercup species are great pollinator plants because they bloom very early, when few other plants are flowering. Consider using them for beds, borders, riparian gardens, rock gardens and fresh cut flowers.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Most species are relatively pest-free. Greenhouse-grown plants are plagued by the usual greenhouse pests, whitefly, aphids, spider mites and mealybugs.