The Characteristics of Creeping Buttercup Leaf

Native to parts of Europe and Asia, creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) has naturalized in much of the United States and is now often thought of as a weed. Nevertheless, its small, yellow flowers can be charming and its long bloom time makes it a good choice for groundcover in the spring and summer.

Creeping buttercup, also known as creeping crowfoot, is an herbaceous and stoloniferous perennial winter hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. It typically grows to between 9 and 12 inches tall, and spreads to a width of 2 to 3 feet per plant. Its small, five-petaled yellow flowers bloom from May to August. It will self-seed readily, and in some wild areas may outcompete the native plants.

Creeping buttercup leaves are alternate, compound and trifoliate, meaning that three leaflets combine to make up a single leaf. They are dark green and shiny, sometimes with pale spots, and each leaflet is up to 3 inches long and heart-shaped to triangular. Leaves are distinctly toothed and have thick bristles, which extend down onto the stem. Thick center veins run down the middle of each leaflet, and the center leaflet in each threesome attaches directly to the flower stalk. The other two leaflets may or may not display a stalk.

A wide variety of tolerances characterizes creeping buttercup. It will grow in both full sun and deep shade, though it spreads faster when given some shade and prefers at least partial shading. It requires a medium amount of water, likes consistently moist soils and will grow in wet ones as well. Although it is not particular about soil type, it prefers organically rich mediums. It will survive being mowed, so if you want to grow it near your lawn you may trim it that way. Conversely, if you are trying to remove it, you will need to dig it up.

Its adaptation to both deep shade and wet growing conditions make creeping buttercup a natural denizen of moist forest areas and woodland fringes. It also does well planted along the edges of ponds or other water features. Its low growth habit makes it an excellent groundcover, especially in shaded areas. Be careful about planting it too freely, as it may take over your garden or wilderness areas. Creeping buttercup may be toxic to animals if eaten in large enough quantities, irritating their mouths and digestive tracts, so ensure your pets do not eat them.