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Ecology and Management of Tall Buttercup (Ranunculus acris L.)

Invasive Species Technical Note Number MT-27

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Invasive Species Technical Note Number MT-27 (PDF; 82 KB)

April 2010
By Jim Jacobs, Plant Materials Specialist, NRCS, Bozeman, Montana
Melissa Graves, Weeds Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Specialist, Montana State University
Jane Mangold, Extension Invasive Plant Specialist, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana

Abstract

Tall buttercup is a perennial forb native to central and northeastern Europe where it is a weed of old pastures and hay meadows. Stems grow up to three feet tall (about one meter) with deeply-lobed leaves (three- to five-lobes) on the lower stem and leaves reduced in size with three to four narrow segments on the upper stem. Flowers are bright yellow and about one inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter. (See Figure 1.)  Tall buttercup reproduces both by seed production and by short splitting rhizomes. First found in the Bozeman area in Gallatin County in 1916, it currently is reported from 23 counties in western and central Montana. Ingestion of tall buttercup by grazing animals causes blistering of the lips and tongue, intestinal disorders, and potentially fatal ventricular fibrillation and respiratory failure as a result of the enzymatic breakdown of ranunculin, a glycoside toxin.

Picture of a Tall buttercup in bloom.
Figure 1. Tall buttercup

Tall buttercup is listed on the Milestone® and Clarity® herbicide labels. It can also be controlled using the non-selective herbicide glyphosate. Consult with your extension agent or county weed coordinator for herbicide recommendations in your area. Always read and follow label instructions. Currently there are no biological control insects available to manage tall buttercup. However, research shows the Sclerotinia fungus reduced dry weight in dairy pastures. Mowing may reduce seed production. Tall buttercup generally increases under grazing, including sheep grazing. Fertilization of pastures does not affect tall buttercup, but it may promote grasses.

Plant Biology
Management Alternatives
References

Bourdôt, G.W., G.A. Hurrell and D.J. Saville. 1990. Variation in MCPA-resistance in Ranunculus acris L. subsp. acris and its correlation with historical exposure to MCPA. Weed Research 30: 449-457.

Cornwallis, L.J., A. Stewart, G.W. Bourdôt, R.E. Gaunt, I.C. Harvey and D.J. Saville. 1999. Pathogenicity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Ranunculus acris in Dairy Pasture. Biocontrol Science and Technology 9: 365-377.

He, J.B., G.M. Bögemann, H.M. van de Steeh, J.G.H.M. Rijnders, L.A.C.J. Voesenek, and C.W.P.M. Blom. 1999. Survival tactics of Ranunculus species in river flood plains. Oecologia 118: 1-8.

Jumpponen, A., C.P.H. Mulder, K. Huss-Danell, and P. Högberg. 2005. Winners and losers in herbaceous plant communities: insights from folier carbon isotope composition in monocultures and mixtures. Journal of Ecology 93: 1136-1147.

Lamoureaux, S.L. and G.W. Bourdôt. 2007. A review of the ecology and management of Ranunculus acris subsp. acris in pasture. AgResearch Weed Research 47: 461-471.

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Last Modified: 11/10/2011