Seasonal Wild Flowers

Creeping Buttercup

Ranunculus repens

Ranunculaceae

May to October and sometimes through mild winters.

It is found throughout the country.

See the BSBI distribution map for Creeping Buttercup

It is found on damp, bare, nutrient-rich soils, so is a

ubiquitous garden and agricultural weed.

It is common on paths, ditches, wasteground, by fresh

water and in grassland prone to flooding.

Creeping Buttercup is a native, perennial herb growing

up to 60cm and spreading by rooting runners.

Its appearance is rather variable depending on where

it is growing.

The flowers are deep yellow with spreading or erect sepals

and slightly furrowed flower stalks.

In comparison, Bulbous Buttercup has deeply furrowed

stalks and Meadow Buttercup has smooth, round,

unfurrowed stalks.

The leaves have 3 triangular lobes, each deeply cut.

Previous page: Common Vetch
Next page: Crimson Clover

Creeping Buttercup on damp soil

Creeping Buttercup on flooded soil

Creeping Buttercup on a wall

Flower showing styles and honey guides

Older flower showing stamens and styles

Sepals and slightly furrowed stem

Young fruits

Leaves on damp soil

Leaves on flooded soils

Base of stem with runners

Runners