Tall Buttercup

Tall buttercup is an herbaceous perennial in the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family. It is clump forming. Stems are erect reaching between 1 and 3 feet tall. Stems are thin, hollow, hairy, and branch toward the top and are usually formed in small clusters from the root. Leaves are green, softly hairy, and alternately arranged on stems. Basal leaves have long petioles and are pentagonal in overall shape and deeply divided into 2-3 segments. Stem leaves are similar in shape, but leaf and petiole size decreases as they move up the stem. Tall buttercup flowers from mid spring to late summer. Flowers have 5 shiny, yellow petals and 5 sepals. These flowers are formed in open cymes. Tall buttercup has a shallow, creeping root system. Seeds are formed in small (2-3mm) achenes.

Tall buttercup is native to Europe, and it was introduced to North America as an ornamental. It creates dense patches and infestations by spreading rhizomes and seeds and spreads to new locations by seeds. This species is frequently found in grasslands and pastures, disturbed sites, and landscapes.

Prevention and cultural control strategies should be utilized as much as possible. Utilize certified weed free forage to prevent introduction.

There are no biological control agents currently available for release in Teton County.

Hand pulling and digging out of all lateral roots can be effective if conducted prior to establishment in an area, but great care must be taken to ensure that all of the root system is removed. Tillage is not recommended as the root fragments can proliferate after disturbance and can be moved throughout fields. Mowing prior to bloom can reduce seed production, but the low growing basal stems thrive in manicured landscapes. Controlled grazing is not recommended. Tall buttercup is toxic to cattle and proliferates under grazing with sheep and goats.

Large infestations can be controlled with herbicides. Spring treatments prevent flowering and seed production, and fall treatments may be effective at killing the root system. Read the label before using any herbicide. Contact TCWP if you have any questions about application rates or how to use an herbicide.

• Plant Guide: Tall Buttercup (Ranunculus acris L.) (2010) Jacobs, J., Graves, M., and Mangold, J. United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. Montana State University.
• Tall buttercup identification and control. King County Noxious Weed Control Board.
• Controlling Buttercups in Pastures. (2022) Kolich, H. Forsyth County Extension. University of Georgia.
• Managing Tall Buttercup in Pastures and Natural Areas. (2019) Corteva Agriscience.
• Tall Buttercup (Ranunculus acris). Montana Field Guide. Montana Natural Heritage Program.