Family: Ranunculaceae Genus: Ranunculus
Species: Ranunculus bulbosus L.
Common Name(s): bulbous buttercup, bulbous crowfoot, buttercup, blister flower, gowan, yellow weed
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Ranunculus bulbosus, commonly known as bulbous buttercup, is a perennial plant that is native to Europe and Asia. The plant is known for its bright yellow flowers and its bulbous root structure. It can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and along roadsides. Because each plant can produce thousands of seeds, bulbous buttercup is considered to be a weed in some areas, and can be difficult to control.
Fables, Folklore, and Mythology
There’s a fun belief and children’s game in which holding a buttercup under your chin and seeing a yellow reflection means you like butter!151
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In ‘The Princess Bride’ (1987), directed by Rob Reiner and based on William Goldman’s novel, the heroine, Princess Buttercup, derives her name from her golden hair resembling a buttercup flower. In addition, her character embodies resilience and resourcefulness akin to the flower.
Traditional Medicine and Modern Science
Despite its toxic properties, bulbous buttercup has a history of use in treating various ailments such as skin conditions, rheumatism, and gout, as well as serving as a diuretic and laxative. More recently, the plant has found application in cosmetics and skincare products. Extracts derived from the bulbs are prized for their antioxidant content and demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects.152
Ecology
Bulbous buttercups, with their bright yellow flowers, attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and flies. In addition, their fibrous roots help to stabilize the soil, preventing erosion. In disturbed areas, the buttercup can be an early colonizer, helping to pave the way for other plant species to become dominant.153
Notes on Toxicity
Bulbous buttercups are toxic if ingested in large quantities. The plant contains protoanemonin, which can cause skin irritation and stomach upset. Although this plant is often used as a cut flower, the handling of the plant can sometimes cause skin irritation known as “buttercup rash.”154 While not usually harmful to livestock, they’re avoided due to bitterness and potential mouth and gastrointestinal irritation.155