About
Ranunculus lingua, the greater spearwort, is an erect, marginal aquatic perennial with hollow stems and simple, lance-shaped, blue-green leaves to 20 cm. Bowl-shaped, yellow flowers 5 cm across are borne on branched stems in early summer. A bold and rewarding native aquatic for the margins of large ponds and lakes.
About the genus
Ranunculus are annuals, biennials and perennials with variable, often palmately lobed or dissected leaves and bowl-shaped, usually shiny-petalled flowers in yellow, white, orange or red. A diverse and widely cultivated genus for borders, meadows and water features.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAquatic, Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
ToxicityHarmful 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
CultivationGrow in muddy pool margins in water 15-25cm deep, in full sun. Will grow in still or slow moving water. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, a rust and grey moulds