Ranunculus aquatilis
Water buttercup
Common names: Flooding buttercup, Water‑buttercup
Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
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Description
Ranunculus aquatilis is a native floating-leaved pond plant. From May to August it produces small white flowers with a yellow centre that float on the water surface, while fine, almost hair‑like foliage grows underwater. It supplies oxygen, is a popular spawning plant for fish and amphibians, and helps keep pond water clear. Like all buttercups, it is toxic; sap can irritate skin and mucous membranes, causing redness and blisters, and ingestion is harmful to humans and animals. Wear gloves when pruning and keep children and pets away from fresh sap. It is a valuable addition to natural ponds with a water depth of about 30 to 60 cm.
Care instructions
Plant in a container with loamy pond soil and place in 30 to 60 cm deep water at a sunny to partially shaded spot. No fertilisation is needed; nutrient‑rich water favours algae over the plant. In early summer (around week 22) trim overgrown shoots with scissors to prevent the surface from becoming fully covered. Wear gloves to protect against sap irritation. The plant is winter hardy as a rootstock on the pond bottom and will regrow in spring, usually by week 13. Remove dead plant parts in autumn to prevent rotting in the water.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
moist, nutrient-rich, loamy, clayey
Feeding
Light feeder
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