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Celery-leaved Buttercup

©Dave Riseborough

Celery-leaved buttercup

Scientific name: Ranunculus sceleratus
Look out for the small, yellow flowers of Celery-leaved buttercup in wet meadows and at the edges of ponds and ditches. It flowers from May to September.

Species information

Statistics

Height: up to 50cm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

May to September

About

Celery-leaved buttercup is a common plant of damp places, wet meadows and the edges of ponds and ditches, often clinging on even if the pond has dried out. Its tiny flowers appear from May to September.

How to identify

Celery-leaved buttercup has yellow flowers with relatively small petals that appear in branched clusters. As its name suggests, it has celery-like leaves that are divided into three lobes.

Distribution

Widespread.

Habitats

Did you know?

Although the name 'buttercup' is obvious considering the golden-yellow petals of the Ranunculaceaefamily, these flowers went by many other names before the 18th century, including 'Goldweed', 'Soldier buttons', 'Kingcup' and 'Crowpeckle', which is still in use today.

How people can help

The Wildlife Trusts manage many grassland and wetland nature reserves for the benefit of the wildlife they support. You can help by supporting your local Trust and becoming a member; you'll find out about exciting wildlife news, events on your doorstep and volunteering opportunities, and will be helping local wildlife along the way.