Overview

Ranunculus lingua is a perennial herb in the genus Ranunculus, part of the Ranunculaceae family. Ranunculus lingua grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include pond margins, water gardens and wetland restoration. It is native to Flanders and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

About

Ranunculus lingua is a perennial herb in the Ranunculaceae that thrives in very wet, waterlogged ground. It is suited to pond margins and marshy spots where soils remain saturated. Flowering occurs from April to June. Handle with care: the plant is harmful if eaten and a skin irritant, so wear gloves when working with it.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Ranunculus lingua

About the genus

Ranunculus is a large genus of about 1750 species of flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae. Members of the genus are known as buttercups, spearworts and water crowfoots.

Wikipedia contributors, "Ranunculus", CC BY-SA 4.0Ranunculus

In the garden

Ranunculus lingua is a perennial herb in the buttercup family, recorded as native to Flanders and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It favours permanently wet situations and is recommended where soil remains saturated or water gathers for long periods. Flowering in the UK takes place from April to June. Plant in full sun or partial shade in consistently wet, marshy, clay or loam soils; it will tolerate waterlogged conditions that many garden plants cannot. Hardiness rating H5 (hardy) indicates it survives normal UK winter conditions when established, so plants can be left outdoors through the colder months. Position plants at the edge of ponds or in shallow marginal beds to make the most of their moisture needs. Use Ranunculus lingua in pond margins, water gardens or wetland restoration schemes where you need species adapted to standing water and saturated soils. Take care when handling: all parts are harmful if eaten and a skin irritant, so wear gloves and other protective equipment. For concerns about pets and possible exposure, consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Ranunculus

Sunlight
full sun, partial shade
Soil type
wet, marshy, clay, loam
Soil moisture
wet, waterlogged
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Ranunculus lingua size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
perennial herb
Suggested uses
pond margins, water gardens, wetland restoration
Native to
Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
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 lingua

Cultivation
Prefers consistently wet soil or shallow water; plant in spring or autumn; avoid drying out
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged foliage after flowering to maintain appearance
Propagation
division, seed

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Ranunculus lingua?

Prefers consistently wet soil or shallow water; plant in spring or autumn; avoid drying out.

Where is the best place to plant Ranunculus lingua?

Ranunculus lingua prefers full sun and partial shade.

What soil does Ranunculus lingua need?

Ranunculus lingua is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including wet, marshy, clay and loam. Aim for soil that stays wet to waterlogged.

How do I prune Ranunculus lingua?

Remove dead or damaged foliage after flowering to maintain appearance.

Is Ranunculus lingua hardy in the UK?

Ranunculus lingua has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Ranunculus lingua?

Division, seed.

Is Ranunculus lingua 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.

More in the Ranunculus genus

Browse all Ranunculus