Hairy Buttercup Plant - Ranunculus

These buttercup plants are members of the Ranunculus family of flowering plants. They are more than 200 varieties in the Ranunculus family, and Buttercups are among the most popular. They are mostly known for their circular blooms. The blooms are often in a round, or "cup" shape, with five petals. Buttercups come in various colors but are most commonly a deep, rich yellow. Their petals also have a deep, rich sheen, making them appear buttery and leading to their name. Buttercups are a plant that's endured for centuries at a time with very little change, and they often induce a sense of nostalgia when we see them planted in flower beds. 

The Hair Buttercup Has Medicinal Uses

The standard variety can grow to about a foot in height, though there are also dwarf varieties that top out at about eight inches. Buttercups are annual plants that need to be planted in the early spring to ensure summer blossoms. They are fast growers and require little care or maintenance. It's important to note that Buttercups are toxic to humans and livestock. However, if kept in a contained garden area or flower bed, they pose no danger to anyone in the household. 

Buttercups need full sun with little to no shade. They are ranked in zone 7 on the USDA hardiness scale. The main requirement is that they have excellent soil that doesn't retain too much moisture. This can be achieved by mulching the soil where the buttercups are growing. Buttercups are also bug resistant but do less well in humidity or where the soil cannot dry out regularly. One excellent characteristic of Buttercups is that they can be planted in soil that's not rich as long as they are fertilized occasionally. These low-maintenance flowers are an incredible blast from the past for almost any gardener.