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Bulbous Buttercup

©Philip Precey

Bulbous buttercup

Scientific name: Ranunculus bulbosus
The Bulbous buttercup has the familiar butter-yellow flowers of its namesake, but grows from a bulb-like 'corm' (a swollen underground stem). Look for it on chalk and limestone grasslands, and along verges.

Species information

Category

Statistics

Height: 10-30cm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

March to May

About

The Bulbous buttercup is a perennial herb that gets its name from its distinctive 'perennating organ': a bulb-like, swollen underground stem, which is situated just below the soil's surface.
It becomes established where fresh soil is exposed, finding it hard to compete with taller, established plants. It prefers nutrient-poor, well-drained soils, and can be found on sunny, chalk and limestone grasslands, in particular. As its name suggests, it has familiar butter-yellow flowers that appear from March to May

How to identify

The Bulbous buttercup has bright yellow flowers with downturned sepals underneath the petals. It has a hairy stem with a bulb-like swelling at the base, and leaves with three lobes.

Distribution

Widespread.

Habitats

Did you know?

After the plant dies in summer, the 'corm' (the swollen stem) survives underground through the winter.

How people can help

The Wildlife Trusts manage many grassland habitats sympathetically for the benefit of all kinds of wildlife. Careful grazing with traditional breeds, hay-cutting at the right time and scrub clearance are just some of the ways grasslands are kept in good condition. By volunteering for your local Trust you can help too, and you'll make new friends and learn new skills along the way.