Aconite-leaf buttercup (Ranunculus aconitifolius, Sp. pl. 1:551. 1753)

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 1:551. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ranunculus

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Europe to C. Spain and Croatia

Description

The Aconite-leaf buttercup, scientifically known as Ranunculus aconitifolius, is a delightful perennial herb cherished for its distinctive and appealing appearance. First described by Linnaeus in Species Plantarum in 1753, this plant has since captivated botanists and garden enthusiasts alike.

Belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, the Aconite-leaf buttercup thrives primarily in Central Europe, spreading its roots as far as Central Spain and Croatia. This geographical distribution hints at its adaptability to a range of temperate climates and terrains, from meadows and woodland clearings to mountainous regions.

One of the most striking features of Ranunculus aconitifolius is its lush, lobed foliage which resembles that of the aconite, hence the name “aconite-leaf”. The leaves offer a beautiful, deep green backdrop to the plant’s charming flowers. Blooming typically in late spring to early summer, the plant produces an array of small, white blossoms that create a starry effect against the verdant leaves. These flowers, each with five dainty petals, are known for their simplicity and grace, making them a favorite among wildflower enthusiasts and gardeners who seek to add a touch of natural elegance to their plots.

Aside from its aesthetic appeal, the Aconite-leaf buttercup plays a role in local ecosystems, providing nectar and pollen for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This contributes to the overall biodiversity and health of the habitats in which it is found.

Cultivating Ranunculus aconitifolius can be a rewarding experience for gardeners. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soils and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. It is relatively low-maintenance, although it benefits from protection against slug and snail damage, which can sometimes affect its growth.

In summary, the Aconite-leaf buttercup, with its historical botanical significance and natural beauty, remains a cherished component of the flora in its native regions. Its delicate flowers and robust foliage not only enhance the visual appeal of gardens but also support ecological balance by attracting beneficial pollinators.

Common Names

Eng: aconite-leaved buttercup, aconite-leaf buttercup
Deu: eisenhutblättriger hahnenfuß
Swe: stormhattsranunkel
Nob: alpehvitsoleie, duppesoleie
Nno: alpekvitsoleie, duppesoleie
Cym: blodyn-ymenyn y gerddi
En: Aconite-leaf buttercup, White Crowfoot, Aconite-leaved Buttercup, Fair-maid-of-France, Fair-maid-of-Kent
Ca: Ranuncle aconitifoli
Hr: Gorski žabnjak
Cs: Pryskyřník omějolistý
Nl: Witte Boterbloem
Fi: Morsiusleinikki
Fr: Renoncule à feuilles d’aconit, Pied-de-corbeau
De: Eisenhut-Hahnenfuß, Eisenhutblättriger Hahnenfuß, Schönes Mädchen of Frankreich
Is: Silfursóley
It: Ranuncolo a foglie d’Aconito, Piede di cornacchia
No: Duppesoleie
Nb: Alpehvitsoleie, Duppesoleie
Nn: Alpekvitsoleie, Duppesoleie
Pl: Jaskier tojadolistny
Es: Ranúnculo con hojas de acónito, Ranúnculo de hoja de acónito
Sv: Stormhattsranunkel
Cy: Blodyn-ymenyn y gerddi

Synonyms

• Ranunculus nyssanus (Leichtlin)
• Ranunculus argenteus (E.H.L.Krause)
• Ranunculus pacheri (Dalla Torre)
• Ranunculus aconitifolius f. incisus (Wimm. & Grab.)
• Ranunculus aconitifolius f. laciniatus (Wimm. & Grab.)
• Ranunculus aconitifolius var. nanus (Gaudin)
• Ranunculus aconitifolius var. ambiguus (Gaudin)
• Ranunculus aconitifolius var. medius (Bernh.)
• Ranunculus aconitifolius var. parviflorus (Gaudin)
• Ranunculus crussicaulis (G.Don)
• Hecatonia aconitifolia (Schur)
• Ranunculus aconitifolius var. flexicaulis (Martrin-Donos)
• Ranunculus caballeroi (Losa & P.Monts.)
• Ranunculus medius (Bernh. ex Schltdl.)
• Ranunculus aconitifolius var. humilis (DC.)
• Hecatonia platanifolia (Schur)
• Ranunculus dealbatus (Lapeyr.)
• Ranunculus aconitifolius f. integrior (Wimm. & Grab.)
• Ranunculus aconitifolius var. intermedius (DC.)
• Ranunculus aconitifolius var. crassicaulis (DC.)
• Ranula aconitifolia ((L.) Fourr.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken May 23, 2021 by Mallol Camprubí Albert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2012 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2017 by Mio Cri (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2020 by dominique MARTIOL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2021 by Mathildå (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2019 by Steve LE BRIQUIR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2021 by Fabi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 18, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 31, 2016 by MICHEL DUSSERE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Helyette Guillot (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2020 by Victor LIAUTAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Denis PLACÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3928139)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:712121-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ranunculus aconitifolius L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Soil nutriments: 6