Meadow Buttercup is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in damp meadows and grassland, to a mature height of up to 100cm.
The Meadow Buttercup is distinguished from other common buttercups by: its erect habit; its long bare un-ribbed stems; and its deeply-divided palmate leaves, with three to five lobes, which in turn have deeply-lobed edges.
Botanic classification and naming: Meadow Buttercup is a member of the Buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family. The genus name
'Ranunculus' identifies the plant as a Buttercup and its species name 'acris' means 'sharp-tasting plant'.
Concerns: The Meadow Buttercup is toxic. In contact with the skin, it can cause rashes and blistering. If ingested, it affects the digestive and nervous systems.
Benefits: Pollinated by bees, butterflies, flies and beetles. The tiny Cocksfoot Moth feeds from flowers of the Meadow Buttercup.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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