Overview
Ranunculus acris is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Ranunculus, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Ranunculus acris grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens and wildflower meadow. It is native to Europe and Asia.
About
Ranunculus acris is a perennial plant characterized by its upright growth habit and fibrous root system, typically reaching heights of 20 to 90 cm. It features long-stemmed, palmately lobed leaves that are a medium green. In early to midsummer, this species produces open clusters of bowl-shaped flowers that measure approximately 2.5 cm in diameter, displaying a vibrant, glossy yellow hue.
About the genus
Ranunculus includes annuals, biennials, evergreen varieties, and herbaceous perennials, which may propagate through rhizomes, tubers, or runners. The foliage varies significantly, typically exhibiting palmately lobed or dissected forms, while the flowers are generally bowl-shaped.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ranunculus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Ranunculus acris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
- Native to
- Europe, Asia
- Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin irritant - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ranunculus acris
- Cultivation
- Grow in humus-rich, fertile, moist or moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust and grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ranunculus acris?
Grow in humus-rich, fertile, moist or moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
Where is the best place to plant Ranunculus acris?
Ranunculus acris prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ranunculus acris need?
Ranunculus acris is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Ranunculus acris?
No pruning required.
How big does Ranunculus acris grow?
Ranunculus acris reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Ranunculus acris hardy in the UK?
Ranunculus acris has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Ranunculus acris?
Propagate by seed or division.
Is Ranunculus acris good for pollinators?
Yes — Ranunculus acris attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
Is Ranunculus acris toxic?
Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin irritant - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.