Loadva580

Ranunculus spp.

• Creeping Buttercup Perennial
• Buttercup Perennial Flowers
• Yellow Buttercup Perennial Flowers
• Yellow Buttercup Perennial
• Buttercup Perennial Flower
• Yellow Buttercup Wildflower
• Do Buttercups Bloom All Summer

Ranunculaceae

Description

There are 18 species of Ranunculus in Texas. These are perennial or annual herbs with a sharp, bitter taste.

This aggressive weed-like perennial produces bright yellow buttercup blooms that rise above dense mats of heart-shaped, dark green foliage in the spring. The Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus Repens Pleniflorus) also thrives in zones 6-9 and can be invasive as well. Fully double, bright yellow, one inch button shaped blossoms pop above lush. Buttercup definition is - any of a large genus (Ranunculus of the family Ranunculaceae, the buttercup family) of chiefly perennial herbaceous plants having colorful cup-shaped flowers with 5 or sometimes many petals: ranunculus; especially: a plant (such as R. Repens) with usually bright yellow, five-petaled flowers.

The stem leaves are alternate, with palmlike veins, and are deeply lobed or dissected. The basal leaves usually have a distinctly different shape.

Flowers are arranged in fanshaped clusters. They usually have five glossy yellow petals and give rise to a small, dry fruit.

Habitat

There are two or more species of buttercup in every vegetational region of Texas. However, significant populations are usually found only in the eastern third of the state. Virtually all of the species require ample water and are found in seeps, mud flats, along ditches or in standing, shallow water.

Toxic Agent

All species are thought to contain a glycoside at various concentrations that is converted to protoanemonin, which acts as a blistering agent. The levels of glycoside increases greatly as the plants mature and reach the flowering stage.

Because protoanemonin is not stable, the plant is not a problem in hay. Although the toxin content varies widely within and among species of buttercup, a large amount of plant material is usually required to cause clinical signs with the species growing in Texas.

Signs of Livestock Ingestion

The signs of poisoning are those of severe gastrointestinal irritation and include: Red and/or ulcerated oral tissues; Salivation; Blood-tinged milk; Diarrhea; Abdominal pain; Depression or excitation; Convulsions; Death.

Creeping Buttercup Perennial

Most cases of buttercup poisoning in Texas are not life threatening. Horses consuming buttercup can die from colic.

Buttercup Perennial Flowers

Management Strategies

Poisoning can usually be prevented by not forcing animals to consume buttercup at flowering. Some pastures must be vacated to prevent diarrhea. These may be used for hay if enough forage such as ryegrass is mixed with the buttercup.

Yellow Buttercup Perennial Flowers

Images

Plant Characteristics

Flower Color: Yellow

Duration: Annual

Stem Texture: Hairless/Smooth

Growth Habit: Forbs/Broadleaf

Leaf Shape : Simple with Pinnate or Parallel Venation

Yellow Buttercup Perennial

Season: Warm

Distribution : 01 - Pineywoods, 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 03 - Post Oak Savannah, 04 - Blackland Prairies, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 08 - Rolling Plains, 09 - High Plains, 10 - Trans-Pecos

Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.

Book: Toxic Plants of Texas (B-6105)

Buttercup Perennial Flower

Collection: Toxics, Wild Flowers

Yellow Buttercup Wildflower

Livestock Affected: Cattle, Goats, Horses, Sheep

Do Buttercups Bloom All Summer

Livestock Signs: Abdominal Pain, Colic, Convulsions, Depression/ Weakness, Excess Salivation, Excitability