Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 09:04 pm
Although very pretty when in bloom, the buttercup is an invasive plant that should not be allowed to spread in the garden. Let’s see how to limit its presence.
Buttercup, who are you?
Buttercup is a perennial plant of the Ranunculaceae family. Otherwise known as ‘Creeping Buttercup’ (Ranunculus repens), the buttercup is a plant with creeping and stoloniferous shoots that allow it to spread easily over several meters.
This plant appreciates the fresh and wet places, the clayey but not acid soils and the half-shade.
Invasive, it poses a concern because it inhibits the growth of the other plants around. It produces anemonin, a substance that is toxic if ingested, and should therefore be avoided if you have animals or livestock.
How to limit the presence of buttercup?
If you like the pretty golden color of buttercups, you can keep a few clumps in a place where this plant will not be a problem, near a pond or in a wasteland for example. To limit its spread, cut the runners very regularly and remove the spontaneous seedlings each year.
How to eliminate buttercup?
In a lawn, buttercup can cause problems by colonizing the space to the detriment of your beautiful green carpet.
Start by eliminating the causes of the shade that this plant so enjoys. Prune surrounding shrubs so that the sun can flood your lawn.
Remember to mow your lawn very often so that the runners do not have time to form, you will limit the rise in seeds and thus the risk of spontaneous sowing. However, mowing can have a double-edged effect because it sometimes strengthens the stump. It is therefore necessary to act accordingly and remove each plant manually, taking care to remove the entire root. To do this, water the soil to make it more loose then push the iron of a transplanter all around the plant. Use leverage to pull out the plant with its root. Then check to see if there is a piece left before filling in and resealing the damaged area of your lawn.
In the vegetable garden, don’t let Ranunculus repens take off because it prevents the growth of many plants, especially Fabaceae. Again, pull it out as soon as it appears.
In the alleys, this plant also causes problems because in these trampled areas, the stump buries itself deeply and becomes difficult to remove. Don’t wait for the buttercup to take hold before pulling it out with all its roots!