Origin
Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii (Andrz. ex Bess.) Lange, commonly known as Steven's buttercup, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is native to Europe and western Asia, where it grows in grasslands, meadows, and pastures.
Common Names
Aside from Steven's buttercup, this plant is also known by other common names such as meadow buttercup, tall buttercup, and giant buttercup.
Uses
The Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii plant can be used for ornamental purposes because of its attractive yellow flowers. However, it is not commonly cultivated as it can be toxic to livestock, especially when consumed in large quantities. The plant contains ranunculin, which can be converted to the toxin protoanemonin when the plant is crushed or chewed. Protoanemonin can cause blistering, irritation, and inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as digestive problems when ingested.
General Appearance
The Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii plant grows up to 1.5 meters tall, with a stem that is hairy and branched. The leaves are lobed and deeply divided, with toothed edges. The flowers are bright yellow and have five petals, each measuring around 2-3 cm in diameter. The plant blooms from May to August, and the flowers are followed by small, dry fruits known as achenes.
Light Requirements
The Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii (Andrz. ex Bess.) Lange requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It is a sun-loving plant that needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can negatively affect its growth and blooming.
Temperature Requirements
The Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii (Andrz. ex Bess.) Lange prefers cool to moderate temperatures for optimal growth. It can tolerate some heat, but extreme heat can cause the plant to wilt and die. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C) during the day and between 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C) at night.
Soil Requirements
The Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii (Andrz. ex Bess.) Lange prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. It is important to avoid waterlogged soil as it can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Water Requirements
The Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii (Andrz. ex Bess.) Lange requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to wilt and die. It is important to water the plant at the base and avoid getting water on the leaves and flowers as this can cause fungal diseases.
Fertilizer Requirements
The Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii (Andrz. ex Bess.) Lange benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every 4 to 6 weeks. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing as this can cause fertilizer burn and damage to the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii (Andrz. ex Bess.) Lange can be grown in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-drained loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant requires full sun to partial shade and grows best in cooler climates. It can be propagated through seeds or by dividing the rootstock in spring or autumn. The seeds should be sown in the early spring or fall, and the soil should be kept moist until germination.
Watering Needs
Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii (Andrz. ex Bess.) Lange requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as the plant is susceptible to root rot. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week, rather than frequent shallow watering.
Fertilization
The plant requires fertilization once a year in the early spring. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 can be used. The fertilizer should be applied at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet of planting area. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flower production.
Pruning
Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii (Andrz. ex Bess.) Lange does not require extensive pruning. However, deadheading the spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms. The plant can also be cut back to the ground after the growing season is over, to promote healthy growth in the following season.
Propagation of Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii
Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii (Andrz. ex Bess.) Lange, commonly known as Steven’s buttercup, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia and is commonly found in meadows, pastures, and along roadsides. The plant has bright yellow flowers that bloom from May to July.
Propagation Methods
Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii can be propagated by both seed and vegetative methods. Here are some of the common propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii. The seeds of the plant are small and can be sown directly into the soil in the fall or early spring. The soil should be well-drained and moist. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1/8 inch and spaced about 6 inches apart. The seeds will germinate in about 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of about 2-3 inches, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Division
Division is another method used to propagate Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii. The plant should be divided in the fall or early spring when the plant is not actively growing. The clump should be carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one healthy root and shoot. The sections can then be replanted in their permanent location.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii. Softwood cuttings should be taken in the spring when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should be taken from the tips of the plant. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location until they have rooted.
Overall, Ranunculus acris L. var. stevenii is a relatively easy plant to propagate. With the right conditions and care, it can be propagated successfully using seed, division, or cuttings.
