Corn Buttercup
Ranunculus arvensis
Family: Ranunculaceae
What it is like
Ranunculus arvensis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
A weed of cornfields, especially on calcareous soils.
Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa, W. Asia to the Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is used is used in the treatment of intermittent fevers, gout and asthma.
Antiasthmatic: Treats asthma.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
A weed of arable land, preferring calcareous soils. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. You are very unlikely to need to encourage this plant.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
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.