Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 3033363

Meadow Buttercup

Ranunculus acris

Also known as Tall Buttercup, Common Buttercup, Giant Buttercup

Bright yellow, glossy petals distinguish meadow buttercups across pastures, damp meadows, and grassy fields. Stems secrete an acrid sap containing protoanemonin, a chemical defense that deters grazing livestock and protects foliage from heavy herbivory. Flowers feature specialized ultraviolet-reflective surfaces around central nectaries, guiding pollinators directly to pollen on sunny days.

FloweringToxicPerennial
Meadow Buttercup reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Sunlight
  • Water
  • Soil Minerals
ThreatsHerbicides and intensive agricultural mowing
HabitatsMoist meadows, pastures, grasslands, roadsides
Life spanPerennial
Classification
  1. OrderRanunculales
  2. FamilyRanunculaceae
  3. GenusRanunculus
  4. SpeciesRanunculus acris
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Sap causes severe skin blistering and toxicity if ingested; handle with care and do not consume.
Why it is dangerous
Crushed foliage releases ranunculin, breaking down into protoanemonin which causes blistering contact dermatitis and severe oral irritation if eaten.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by tall hairy stems, deeply lobed leaves, and shiny five-petaled golden blossoms on long stalks.
What to do
Wear gloves when weeding or removing plants, and avoid brushing bare skin against broken stems.
Responsible observation
  • Pollinator Spotting: Watch for small solitary bees and hoverflies visiting the shiny yellow petals on warm mornings.
  • Safe Gardening: Wear protective gloves when weeding or cutting stems to shield skin from irritating sap.
Related species
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