Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris)

Family: Ranunculaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Ranunculus acris is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked and used as greens. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. — Leaves - cooked and used as greens.; Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Damp meadows and pastures, usually on calcareous or circum-neutral soils. Also found on damp rock ledges, in gullies and occasionally on mountain top detritus. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)