About
Ranunculus sceleratus, the celery-leaved buttercup, is an aquatic annual of wet meadows and streams to 45 cm tall, with deeply lobed, mid-green leaves. Numerous, very small, yellow flowers with reflexed sepals are borne in branched clusters from late spring to autumn. A fascinating native for a bog garden or shallow pond margin.
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, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral, Acid
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Aquatic
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Native toEurope
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 15-60cm deep, in full sun. Will grow in shallow pool margins and slow moving fresh water. Ideal wildflower for wet meadow planting. See pond plants for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed as soon as ripe
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free