Glacier buttercup Ranunculus glacialis
Glacier buttercup (Ranunculus glacialis) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Ranunculaceae family, native to Arctic and high Alpine scree (to 4,275 m on the Finsteraarhorn). It grows 5–15 cm (2–6 in) tall and 10–20 cm (4–8 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -50 °C (-58 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
Plan Glacier buttercup in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Glacier buttercup at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Mature height | 5–15 cm (2–6 in) |
| Mature spread | 10–20 cm (4–8 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -50 °C (-58 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 1) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 18 °C (64 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Arctic and high Alpine scree (to 4,275 m on the Finsteraarhorn) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇴 Norway |
Is Glacier buttercup toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: all parts
Protoanemonin: blisters skin and mouth.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Glacier buttercup
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Glacier buttercup in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden (20 plants)
Questions about Glacier buttercup
- How far apart should I plant Glacier buttercup?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–20 cm (4–8 in).
- Does Glacier buttercup need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Glacier buttercup need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Glacier buttercup?
- It tolerates about -50 °C (-58 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 1.
- When does Glacier buttercup flower?
- From about June for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Glacier buttercup poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Protoanemonin: blisters skin and mouth.
- What grows well with Glacier buttercup?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Glacier buttercup. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Norwegian species and red-list information, Artsdatabanken
- Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden, Tromsø, The Arctic University Museum of Norway (UiT)
Notes and assumptions
- Arctic-alpine: needs cold winters with snow cover, cool summers and sharp drainage; struggles in warm, humid lowlands.
- White flowers that turn pink-red after pollination; among the highest-growing flowering plants in Europe.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Hellebore (Lenten rose) Helleborus x hybridus
- Delphinium Delphinium elatum hybrids
- Common columbine Aquilegia vulgaris
- Japanese anemone Anemone hupehensis
- Larkspur Consolida ajacis
- Love-in-a-mist Nigella damascena
- Globeflower Trollius europaeus
- Christmas rose Helleborus niger