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Annual BiennialAquatic

Ranunculus sceleratus
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

celery-leaved buttercup

An aquatic annual plant of wet meadows and streams, about 45-50cm tall, with mostly hairless, deeply lobed, mid-green leaves divided into leaflets. Numerous, very small yellow flowers with reflexed sepals, in branched clusters appear from late spring to autumn

Other common names
cursed crowfoot
water celery
see moreache
crafanc yr eryr
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin irritant - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Ranunculus can be annuals, biennials, evergreen or herbaceous perennials, with rhizomes, tubers or spreading by runners. The leaves are variable but often palmately lobed or dissected and the flowers usually bowl-shaped

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in muddy pool margins in water 15-60cm deep, in full sun. Will grow in shallow pool margins and slow moving fresh water. Ideal wildflower for wet meadow planting. See pond plants for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed as soon as ripe

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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