Seasonal Wild Flowers

Celery-leaved Buttercup

Ranunculus sceleratus

Ranunculaceae

May to September

It is found throughout the country except for the far North

and far Southwest.

For a map see the National Biodiversity Network Gateway

It grows on damp, nutrient-rich mud, grazed saltmarshes and

in shallow freshwaters polluted by grazing cattle.

According to the New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora (Preston

et al. 2002), its seeds survive for long periods and re-appear after

disturbance.

The pictures shown here were taken after an earth dyke was built

beside the Lune estuary in 2006, using soil dug from deep holes

in nearby fields. The celery-leaved buttercup grew on the dyke

for the first time in years during 2007, covering large areas.

A year later, 2008, there was no sign of it.

Celery-leaved Buttercup is a native, annual herb growing up

to 60cm.

The flowers and fruits are distinctive.

The flowers have small, pale-yellow petals and the ovules are in a

bulbous head.

The leaves are celery-like and pale green.

The stems are robust and hollow, giving the plant a bushy

appearance.

Celery-leaved Buttercup en masse

Flower and young fruits

Close-up of flower with stamens

Leaves