Persian buttercup Ranunculus asiaticus
Persian buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Ranunculaceae family, native to Eastern Mediterranean (Crete, Rhodes, Turkey to Iran). It grows 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -7 °C (19 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
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Persian buttercup at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Mature height | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -7 °C (19 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 25 °C (77 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern Mediterranean (Crete, Rhodes, Turkey to Iran) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Persian buttercup toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: all parts, sap
Contains ranunculin, which releases protoanemonin; sap blisters skin and mouth and causes drooling and vomiting.
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 Persian buttercup
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Persian buttercup
- How far apart should I plant Persian buttercup?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–30 cm (8–12 in).
- Does Persian buttercup need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Persian buttercup need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Persian buttercup?
- It tolerates about -7 °C (19 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Persian buttercup flower?
- From about May for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Persian buttercup poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains ranunculin, which releases protoanemonin; sap blisters skin and mouth and causes drooling and vomiting.
- What grows well with Persian buttercup?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Persian buttercup. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Cool-season tuberous plant that goes dormant in summer heat; in cold-winter climates tubers are planted in spring and often lifted, or grown as an annual.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Love-in-a-mist Nigella damascena
- Globeflower Trollius europaeus
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