Ranunculus sceleratus aka Celery Buttercup

Ranunculus sceleratus is known as celery-leaved buttercup or cursed crowfoot. It belongs to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. This wetland plant grows as an annual or biennial. Its native range spans temperate Eurasia and northern Africa. It also extends from Ethiopia to Rwanda. In North America, it is native to central and eastern Canada and the United States. It is native to Britain and Ireland too.

Plants form clumps around 1.5–1.6 feet (0.45–0.5 m) tall. They can spread to about 1.6 feet (0.5 m). The mid-green leaves have deep lobes and divide into leaflets. Most leaves lack hairs, and the foliage is deciduous. Branched flower clusters rise above the leaves. They bear many tiny yellow blooms from late spring into autumn. The sepals bend back beneath the flowers.

This plant suits pond edges, bog gardens, and wet meadows. In the wild, it grows beside slow streams and ditches. It also grows in shallow ponds with muddy bottoms. PFAF links its habitat to mineral-rich water and non-acid soils. RHS lists acid, neutral, and alkaline soils as suitable for growing. It accepts clay, loam, or sand where drainage is poor. Give it full sun and a wet, muddy root zone. RHS recommends pool margins with water 0.5–2 feet (0.15–0.6 m) deep. It also grows in shallow margins and slow fresh water. RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H6.

Its small flowers suit wildflower meadows and wildlife garden planting. Choose wet ground rather than a dry border. RHS reports few routine problems with pests or disease. The plant needs no pruning. Sow its seeds once they ripen to raise new plants. PFAF also records a leaf extract used against fungi. This is a reported use, not proof of garden effectiveness.

All fresh parts are poisonous, and the sap can blister skin. RHS warns that it harms both people and pets. Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling it. PFAF records past food use of cooked young leaves. It also gives strong warnings about the plant's toxicity. Those records do not make it a safe salad plant. PFAF records medicinal uses of the leaves, roots, and seeds. It also describes severe irritation from chewing or skin contact. These uses should not be read as advice for home treatment.