Ranunculus fluitans

RHS Plant Profile

river water crowfoot

Other common names

long-leaved water crowfoot, crafanc hirddail

Aquatic Herbaceous Perennial

A marginal aquatic perennial with submerged leaves only, in long, narrow dark green segments 30cm long. The long, slender stems with up to two flower stems bear white, daisy-like flowers, 2-3cm across with 6-8 overlapping petals, in early summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height: Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Poorly–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H7

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Ranunculaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: Yes
Foliage: Semi evergreen
Habit: Submerged, Trailing
Potentially harmful: Harmful if eatenskin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eatenskin 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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in muddy pool margins in water 15-60cm deep, in full sun. Will grow in slow or fast moving fresh water in rivers or streams. See pond plants for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free