Ranunculus bulbosus aka Bulbous Buttercup

Ranunculus bulbosus, or bulbous buttercup, belongs to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Its native range spans Morocco, Europe, Türkiye and Central Asia. It is native to Britain and Ireland. This plant grows in temperate regions. Wild habitats include meadows, lawns, dry pastures and grassy slopes. It also grows on fixed dunes, often over lime-rich ground.

This hairy perennial forms clumps with a swollen stem base. It has fibrous roots below the ground. Plants reach about 1.3 feet (0.4 metres) in height. The RHS gives an upper size of 1.6 feet (0.5 metres). Clumps can also spread to 1.6 feet (0.5 metres). Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The dark green leaves have three lobes. They grow at the base and along the lower stems. Foliage may die back or remain partly green through winter.

Fine branches carry flowers from late spring into early summer. Each bloom has a shallow, saucer-like shape. The flowers shine gold-yellow above the green leaves. The RHS suggests this species for wildflower meadows and wildlife gardens. Its clump-forming habit suits these planting settings. PFAF also lists lawns and meadows as landscape settings. However, that source flags its potential to become a weed.

Grow it in fertile soil with plenty of humus. Keep the soil moist, but allow excess water to drain. Full sun or partial shade suits it. The RHS lists chalk, clay, loam and sand as suitable. It accepts acid, neutral and alkaline soil. Both exposed and sheltered sites can suit this plant. The RHS rates its cold hardiness as H7. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 3–7. Raise new plants from seed or divide existing clumps. No pruning is needed. Pests seldom cause trouble, but fungal diseases may occur. These include powdery mildew, rust and grey mould.

All parts are poisonous, and the sap can blister skin. The plant can harm both people and pets when eaten. Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling it. PFAF records cooked leaves and prepared roots as historical foods. It gives the plant a low food-use rating. These records do not make it a safe food choice. PFAF also records past medicinal uses, including pain relief. Its toxicity makes those uses unsafe to treat as home remedies.