Overview
Ranunculus flammula L. var. ovalis (Bigelow) L. Benson, commonly known as Creeping Spearwort, is a plant species from the genus Ranunculus of the Ranunculaceae family. This plant is a perennial herb that is native to North America.
General Appearance
Creeping Spearwort can grow up to 1.5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. It has evergreen basal leaves that are deeply divided and toothed at the edges. The leaves are light green in color and have a glossy appearance. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that bloom from May to August. The flowers are small, about 1 inch wide, and have five petals that are spoon-shaped or oval.
Origin and Distribution
Creeping Spearwort is native to North America, where it is found in the Eastern United States and parts of Canada. The plant is commonly found in wet meadows, marshes, and along streams and riverbanks. It prefers acidic to neutral soils and can tolerate partial shade.
Common Names
Creeping Spearwort is commonly known as Bigelow's spearwort, Meadow Buttercup, and Ovalleaf Spearwort.
Uses
Creeping Spearwort is primarily used for its ornamental value. It is often planted as a ground cover in wet meadow areas where other plants may struggle to grow. The plant's bright yellow flowers can add a vibrant pop of color to any garden or landscape. Additionally, the plant is also used in traditional medicine for its astringent properties. The leaves are used to relieve bruises, rheumatism, and skin conditions such as warts.
Light Requirements
Ranunculus flammula L. var. ovalis prefers full to partial sunlight conditions and can tolerate light shade. It is recommended to provide at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9 and tolerates a wide range of temperatures. The optimal temperature for growth and flowering is around 60 to 70°F (15 to 21°C). However, it can also tolerate high temperatures up to 90°F (32°C) and low temperatures down to -15°F (-26°C) in dormant winter conditions.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in moist soil and prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter and can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil conditions. To ensure good growth and blooming, it is essential to maintain a consistent soil moisture level without oversaturating the soil, as Ranunculus flammula L. var. ovalis can't tolerate waterlogged soil conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Ranunculus flammula L. var. ovalis (Bigelow) L. Benson is a perennial plant that prefers moist, well-drained soils, and full sun to part shade. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 and can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
Propagation can be done through seeds, cuttings, or division of roots. Seeds should be sown in fall or early spring, while cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer. Division of roots can be done in early spring or fall.
The plant should be placed in a location where it receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. The soil should be well-drained, and the plant should not be planted too deeply.
Watering Needs
Ranunculus flammula L. var. ovalis (Bigelow) L. Benson has moderate to high watering needs. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, or more often in dry weather conditions. It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as this may cause root rot.
It is best to water in the morning or evening to avoid evaporation during the hottest part of the day. Overhead watering should be avoided, as it may cause fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Ranunculus flammula L. var. ovalis (Bigelow) L. Benson will benefit from a balanced fertilizer application in the spring when new growth emerges. A slow-release fertilizer should be applied to the soil around the plant's base, following the manufacturer's instructions.
It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this may lead to lush foliage growth at the expense of flower production. A light application of fertilizer in mid-summer may also be helpful.
Pruning
Ranunculus flammula L. var. ovalis (Bigelow) L. Benson does not require much pruning. Deadheading of spent flowers can encourage repeat blooming, and any dead or damaged foliage can be removed as needed. The plant can also be cut back to the ground after flowering to promote a second flush of growth and flowers.
It is important to avoid pruning the plant too late in the year, as this may interfere with the plant's ability to prepare for winter dormancy.
Propagation of Ranunculus flammula L. var. ovalis (Bigelow) L. Benson
Ranunculus flammula L. var. ovalis (Bigelow) L. Benson, commonly known as Oval-leaved Buttercup, is a herbaceous perennial plant that produces small yellow flowers. The plant can be propagated through several methods, including division, seed germination, and cuttings.
Division
Division is the most common method of propagating Ranunculus flammula L. var. ovalis. The best time to divide the plant is during the early spring when the plant starts to show new growth. Simply dig up the entire plant and gently separate the clumps with a sharp, sterile knife or garden spade. Ensure that each clump has a healthy root system and a few stems. Transplant the clumps to their new locations, water them thoroughly, and keep them moist during the establishment period.
Seed Germination
Ranunculus flammula L. var. ovalis can also be propagated by seed germination. Collect ripe seeds in the fall and store them in a dry, cool location until the following spring. To germinate the seeds, plant them in a prepared seedbed or in containers filled with seed-starting mix. Water the soil regularly to keep it moist but not waterlogged. The seeds will typically germinate within two to four weeks.
Cuttings
Propagation of Ranunculus flammula L. var. ovalis can also be accomplished through stem cuttings. Take 6-8 inch-long cuttings of new growth in the early summer or early autumn. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone powder. Plant several cuttings in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that they receive bright but indirect light. Keep the soil evenly moist and provide a humid environment by covering the pot with a clear plastic bag. Roots should develop within several weeks, and once established, plant the new plants in individual containers or in the ground.
Disease Management
One common disease that might affect Ranunculus flammula L. var. ovalis is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew can cause white powdery spots on the leaves and stems of the plant, affecting its overall growth. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant by spacing them properly and pruning dense growth. Avoid overhead watering and instead, water the plant at its base to reduce humidity around the leaves. In severe cases, fungicides labeled for powdery mildew can be applied but it is important to follow label instructions to avoid injuring the plant.
Another disease that might affect Ranunculus flammula L. var. ovalis is root rot caused by fungal pathogens like Pythium, Rhizoctonia or Phytophthora. This disease can cause stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing of the leaves. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage by growing the plant in well-draining soils and containers. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to avoid spreading of the disease in the growing area.
Pest Management
One common pest that might affect Ranunculus flammula L. var. ovalis is aphids. Aphids can cause the plant to appear stunted, twisted, and distorted and can also transmit viruses to the plant. To manage this pest, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock down the aphids or use insecticidal soaps or oils that are labeled for aphids. Biological control, such as releasing natural enemies of the aphids, can also be effective in managing this pest.
Spider mites are another pest that might affect Ranunculus flammula L. var. ovalis and can cause the leaves to yellow and appear stippled. To manage spider mites, maintain good air circulation and increase humidity around the plant to discourage mite populations. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove the mites and spray the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil labeled for mites. Avoid using broad-spectrum chemicals as they can harm natural predators of spider mites.
Regular monitoring of the plant can help identify any disease or pest problems early enough before they cause extensive damage. It is important to always follow label instructions when using any chemical treatments to avoid injuring the plant and to ensure effective management of the problem.
