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The yellow ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus), also known as buttercups, got its name from a mistaken belief that they gave butter its golden color. However, the plants are toxic to both cows and humans. aimintang/Getty ImagesWhat's tricky to spell, adored by bees, nearly impossible to say three times in a row, poisonous when ingested, historically used as a leprosy treatment, and undeniably stunning in a bridal bouquet? The answer: ranunculus, ranunculus, ranunculus.
Originally from Southwest Asia, ranunculus flowers made their way to Europe during the 16th century, alongside anemones and tulips, under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The genus name Ranunculus is derived from the Latin word for "little frog," likely because these tuberous buttercups grow near streams and other damp areas, where frogs may seek shelter and settle down.
Amanda Bennett, VP of Horticulture and Collections at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, explains via email, "The name buttercup is believed to come from the flower's yellow hue. With over 600 species within the genus, they vary from prized ornamental blooms to troublesome lawn weeds. Particularly problematic are the weedy varieties found in pastures, as they are poisonous to livestock and can also be harmful and caustic to humans."
Persian Buttercups
On April 13, 2020, a young Israeli girl picks flowers in a ranunculus field in the southern Israeli Kibbutz of Nir Yitzhak during the Jewish holiday of Passover. MENAHEM KAHANA/Getty Images"The vibrant, multicolored Persian buttercups are typically what people envision when they hear the name ranunculus. These flowers are undeniably stunning and they know it," Bennett adds.
The Ranunculus genus encompasses hundreds of varieties, including both annual and herbaceous perennial flowering plants. A member of the Ranunculaceae family, it is commonly known as the buttercup, as well as the Persian buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus).
Available all year round in a wide array of colors, most modern florists and high-end designers frequently utilize cultivars of Ranunculus asiaticus. It's one of the most popular blooms in the cut flower industry, with famous hybrid varieties such as 'Aviv,' 'Telecote,' 'Telecote Red,' 'Flamenco,' 'Bloomingdale,' and 'Victoria,' to name just a few.
A charming beauty suited for cool weather, Ranunculus asiaticus boasts large, painterly blooms with delicate, ruffled petals that resemble crepe paper origami, making it a stunning option for wedding bouquets.
As freshly cut flowers, they enjoy an impressive vase life of up to seven days, making them ideal for creating spectacular centerpieces paired with other springtime flowers.
Toxic Properties of Ranunculus Species
All species of ranunculus are toxic to both animals and humans. When the leaves of buttercups are crushed or brushed, they release a compound known as ranunculin, which breaks down into protoanemonin, a bitter, poisonous oil.
Exposure to protoanemonin can result in dermatitis-like symptoms, causing burning sensations, itching, and the development of a rash with blisters.
Chewing the leaves of buttercups can lead to blisters on the lips and face. The toxic oil is also highly irritating to the eyes. Ingesting buttercups can cause severe discomfort, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, and even paralysis.
While the toxicity levels of buttercups can vary, individual ranunculus plants are most toxic in early spring when they are blooming. Dried and dead plants are generally considered safe.
Other Varieties of Ranunculus Flowers
Some of the most troublesome buttercup species in North America include tall buttercup (Ranunculus acris), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), and cursed buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus), among others. Bulbous buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus), which has potential as a famine food, has bulbous roots that are caustic when fresh, but can be safely eaten if dried or boiled.
Historical Uses of Ranunculus
Native Americans once used dried ranunculus plants in herbal poultices to alleviate muscle pain and remove warts. The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder documented the medicinal uses of ranunculus in "The Natural History of Wild Plants" as early as 77 B.C.E.
Are Ranunculus Flowers Annual or Perennial?
Ranunculus bulbs come in an array of colors and shapes. Hal Beral/Getty ImagesThe answer to this question hinges on where you are located. Ranunculus, a tuberous plant, is winter-hardy and considered a perennial in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8 to 10. Gardeners in these zones should plant ranunculus in the fall for a spring bloom.
In colder Zones, like 4 to 7, ranunculus is treated as an annual since it cannot survive the winter outdoors. If planted in spring, it will bloom in late summer. For those in colder climates, growing ranunculus indoors gives it a better shot at thriving.
"Ranunculus thrives in sunny, well-drained soil and in areas that aren’t too hot or too cold, and they dislike humidity," explains Bennett. "Many gardeners prefer to grow them as potted annuals."
A sight to behold, the vibrant ranunculus steals the show as a spring container garden plant. It can bloom for up to five weeks, with each flower lasting between three and seven days in cooler climates.
Ranunculus Symbolism
In the language of flowers, or floriography, the ranunculus represents attraction and charm. It is a favored bloom among floral artists, often chosen to embellish arrangements or as a stunning gesture of love and admiration during significant events like weddings and anniversaries.
Symbolizing joy and childlike cheer, the delicate buttercup is also a whimsical muse for songs and poems.
A buttercup tattoo symbolizes purity and modesty. It can also express sentiments like, "Your charm captivates me," alongside numerous other meanings.
