Water Crowfoot, White water crowfoot
Ranunculus aquatilis

Family: Ranunculaceae

What it is like

Ranunculus aquatilis is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, bees. 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

Where it is found

Ponds, ditches and streams throughout lowland Britain.

Most of Europe, including Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The entire plant has been boiled and eaten. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The sub-species R. aquatilis capillaceus is used is used in India in the treatment of intermittent fevers, rheumatism and asthma.

Antiasthmatic: Treats asthma.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Other

Rating:

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 tray of water in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Best place to grow: Pond; Bog Garden;

Habit: Annual/Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

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.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

R. diversifolius. R. heterophyllus. R. radicans.