Celery-Leaved Buttercup, Cursed buttercup
Ranunculus sceleratus
Family: Ranunculaceae
What it is like
Ranunculus sceleratus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
In and by slow streams, ditches and shallow ponds of mineral rich water and muddy bottoms, avoiding acid soils.
Europe, including Britain, mainly in northern and central areas..
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young plant cooked. It is said to be not unwholesome if the plant is boiled and the water thrown away and then the plant cooked again. Caution is strongly advised, see the notes above on toxicity and below on medicinal uses.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The celery-leafed buttercup is one of the most virulent of our native plants. The whole plant is acrid, anodyne, antispasmodic, diaphoretic and emmenagogue and rubefacient. When bruised and applied to the skin it raises a blister and creates a sore that is by no means easy to heal. If chewed it inflames the tongue and produces violent effects. The herb should be used fresh since it loses its effects when dried. The leaves and the root are used externally as an antirheumatic. The seed is tonic and is used in the treatment of colds, general debility, rheumatism and spermatorrhoea.
Acrid: Causes heat and irritation when applied to the skin.
Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Rubefacient: A counter-irritant and external stimulant, it produces inflammation and redness of the skin.
Other
Rating: 1
An extract of the leaves can be used as a fungicide.
Fungicide: Arrests the growth of, or kills, fungi.
How it is grown
A plant of boggy soils and shallow water, it prefers a loamy soil and a sunny position. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. This plant is unlikely to need much assistance. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Pond; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist, wet, water
Things to keep in mind
All parts of the plant are poisonous when fresh, the toxins are destroyed by heat or by drying. The plant also has a strongly acrid juice that can cause blistering to the skin.