Giant cells

Giant Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) is a species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to Europe and western Asia, and is also known as the tall buttercup or meadow buttercup.

Description

The Giant Buttercup is a perennial plant that grows to a height of 30-70 cm, with ungrooved flowing stems bearing glossy yellow flowers about 25 mm across. There are five overlapping petals borne above five green sepals that soon turn yellow as the flower matures. It has numerous stamens inserted below the ovary.

Distribution and habitat

The Giant Buttercup is native to Europe and western Asia, and it is also found in many parts of the world as an introduced species. It is commonly found in fields and pastures, especially on calcareous soils. In its native range, it is typically found in damp meadows and pastures, often on river banks.

Ecology

The Giant Buttercup is a food plant for the caterpillars of certain Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), such as the small white (Pieris rapae). The flowers are visited by a variety of insects for pollen and nectar.

Toxicity

Like other members of the genus Ranunculus (buttercups), Ranunculus acris is poisonous, although when dried with hay these poisons are lost. The plant can be harmful if eaten in large amounts, and the sap can irritate the skin.

Cultivation

The Giant Buttercup is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens for its glossy yellow flowers. It prefers a sunny location and is hardy to zone 4. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

See also

• List of poisonous plants
• Ranunculus
• Flowering plant