Categories: Ranunculaceae

Celery buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus, Sp. Pl.: 551 (1753))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 551 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ranunculus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. Eurasia, N. Africa, Ethiopia to Rwanda, C. & E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Celery Buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus)

The Celery Buttercup, scientifically known as Ranunculus sceleratus, is a fascinating plant that has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike due to its widespread presence and unique characteristics. First described in 1753 in Species Plantarum by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this member of the Ranunculaceae family demonstrates noteworthy adaptability and distribution.

Description and Characteristics

The Celery Buttercup is a perennial herb that typically thrives in wet, marshy conditions such as the edges of ponds, swamps, and riverbanks. The plant stands out due to its segmented leaves which bear a resemblance to celery, thus deriving its common name. It produces small, yellow, cup-shaped flowers that add a splash of brightness to its often soggy surroundings.

One of the distinctive features of Ranunculus sceleratus is its hollow, branched stems, which can grow up to 50 cm (20 inches) in height. The plant blooms from late spring to summer, producing seeds that are dispersed through water, facilitating its spread in suitable environments.

Habitat and Distribution

A unique aspect of the Celery Buttercup is its ability to thrive in a broad range of climates and regions. Native to temperate Eurasia, this resilient herb has extended its reach to various parts of the world, including Northern Africa, from Ethiopia to Rwanda, as well as Central and Eastern regions of Canada and the United States.

The plant’s extensive distribution is attributed to its hardiness and adaptability to different environmental conditions. Whether found in the wetlands of Europe or along the waterways of North America, Ranunculus sceleratus maintains its presence and proliferates with relative ease.

Importance and Usage

Historically, the Celery Buttercup has been noted for both its beauty and its potential medicinal properties. However, it is essential to handle this plant with care, as it contains toxic compounds, particularly when fresh. In traditional medicine, it was sometimes used externally to treat minor ailments, though modern understanding and usage of the plant have evolved.

Today, the Celery Buttercup serves primarily as an indicator species in wetland ecology. Its presence can signal the health of a wetland ecosystem and help ecologists monitor environmental conditions.

Conservation and Ecological Impact

Despite its toxicity, Ranunculus sceleratus plays a vital role in its habitats. As part of the intricate web of wetland ecosystems, it provides shelter and resources for a myriad of insects and other small wildlife. Its adaptability to varying moisture levels helps stabilize soil in its habitats, contributing to erosion control and water purification processes.

Conclusion

The Celery Buttercup is more than just a common herb; it is a remarkable example of botanical adaptability and ecological significance. With its charming yellow flowers and robust nature, Ranunculus sceleratus continues to intrigue and benefit both natural ecosystems and the scientific community. Its global presence and unique traits serve as a reminder of the delicate balance and diversity of our planet’s flora.

Common Names

Eng: blister buttercup, celery buttercup, celery-leaf buttercup, celery-leaf crowfoot, cursed buttercup, cursed crowfoot, marsh crowfoot, poison buttercup, celery-leaved buttercup, celery-leaved crowfoot
Deu: gift-hahnenfuss, gift-hahnenfuß
Dan: tigger-ranunkel
Nld: blaartrekkende boterbloem
Nor: kjel-soløje
Swe: konnanleinikki, tiggarranunkel
Fin: konnanleinikki
Fra: renoncule scélérate
Nno: tiggarsoleie
Nob: tiggersoleie
Sme: rihccenoarsa
Cym: crafanc yr eryr, troed yr eryr
Ita: ranuncolo tossico
En: Celery buttercup, Celery-leaf buttercup, Celery-leaf crowfoot, Cursed crowfoot, Marsh crowfoot, Poison buttercup, Blister buttercup, Cursed buttercup, CELERYLEAF BUTTERCUP, Celery-leaved Buttercup, Celery-leaved crowfoot
Ar: زغلنته (زَغَلَنته), حوذان شرير
Hy: Գորտնուկ թունավոր
Eu: Irri-belar
Be: Казялец ядавіты
Bg: Отровно лютиче
Ca: Gatarrabiosa, Herba de foc
Zh: 石龙芮
Cs: Pryskyřník lítý
Da: Tigger-Ranunkel
Nl: Blaartrekkende boterbloem
Et: Mürktulikas
Fi: Konnanleinikki
Fr: Renoncule scélérate, Renoncule à feuilles de cèleri, Renoncule à feuilles de céleri, Herbe sardonique
De: Gift-Hahnenfuss, Gift-Hahnenfuß, Acker-Hahnenfuß
He: נורית ארסית
Ga: Toircheas fiáin
It: Ranuncolo di palude, Ranuncolo tossico, Sardonia
Kk: Улы сарғалдақ
Ko: 개구리자리
Lv: Ļaunā gundega
Li: Gifhanevoot
Lt: Nuodingasis vėdrynas
Se: Rihccenoarsa
No: Tiggarsoleie, Tiggersoleie, Kjel-soløje
Nb: Tiggersoleie
Nn: Tiggarsoleie
Fa: آلاله طاول‌دار
Pl: Jaskier jadowity
Ru: Лютик ядовитый
Sk: Iskerník jedovatý
Es: Apio sardónico, Sadónica, Apiastro, Hierba de fuego, Sardonia
Sv: Tiggarranunkel, Konnanleinikki
Zh-tw: 石龍芮
Zh-hant: 石龍芮
Tr: Zehirli düğün çiçeği
Vi: Mao lương
Cy: Crafanc yr eryr, Troed yr Eryr

Synonyms

Ranunculus sceleratus var. typicus (L.D.Benson)
Ranunculus sceleratus subsp. typicus (Á.Löve & D.Löve)
Batrachium sceleratum ((L.) Th.Fr. ex A.Pihl)
Hecatonia scelerata ((L.) Fourr.)

Distribution

Afghanistan (native)
Alabama (native)
Alaska (native)
Albania (native)
Alberta (native)
Algeria (native)
Altay (native)
Amur (native)
Arizona (native)
Arkansas (native)
Assam (native)
Austria (native)
Baleares (native)
Baltic States (native)
Bangladesh (native)
Belarus (native)
Belgium (native)
British Columbia (native)
Bulgaria (native)
Buryatiya (native)
California (native)
Central European Rus (native)
China North-Central (native)
China South-Central (native)
China Southeast (native)
Chita (native)
Colorado (native)
Connecticut (native)
Corse (native)
Czechoslovakia (native)
Delaware (native)
Denmark (native)
District of Columbia (native)
East European Russia (native)
East Himalaya (native)
Egypt (native)
Ethiopia (native)
Finland (native)
Florida (native)
France (native)
Georgia (native)
Germany (native)
Great Britain (native)
Greece (native)
Hungary (native)
Idaho (native)
Illinois (native)
India (native)
Indiana (native)
Inner Mongolia (native)
Iowa (native)
Iran (native)
Iraq (native)
Ireland (native)
Irkutsk (native)
Italy (native)
Japan (native)
Kamchatka (native)
Kansas (native)
Kazakhstan (native)
Kentucky (native)
Khabarovsk (native)
Kirgizstan (native)
Korea (native)
Krasnoyarsk (native)
Krym (native)
Kuril Is. (native)
Laos (native)
Louisiana (native)
Magadan (native)
Maine (native)
Manchuria (native)
Manitoba (native)
Maryland (native)
Masachusettes (native)
Michigan (native)
Minnesota (native)
Mississippi (native)
Missouri (native)
Montana (native)
Morocco (native)
Myanmar (native)
Nansei-shoto (native)
Nebraska (native)
Nepal (native)
Netherlands (native)
Nevada (native)
New Brunswick (native)
New Hampshire (native)
New Jersey (native)
New Mexico (native)
New York (native)
Newfoundland (native)
North Carolina (native)
North Caucasus (native)
North Dakota (native)
North European Russi (native)
Northwest European R (native)
Northwest Territorie (native)
Norway (native)
Nova Scotia (native)
Ohio (native)
Oklahoma (native)
Ontario (native)
Oregon (native)
Pakistan (native)
Palestine (native)
Pennsylvania (native)
Poland (native)
Portugal (native)
Primorye (native)
Québec (native)
Rhode I. (native)
Romania (native)
Rwanda (native)
Sakhalin (native)
Saskatchewan (native)
Sicilia (native)
South Carolina (native)
South Dakota (native)
South European Russi (native)
Spain (native)
Sweden (native)
Switzerland (native)
Tadzhikistan (native)
Taiwan (native)
Tennessee (native)
Texas (native)
Thailand (native)
Transcaucasus (native)
Tunisia (native)
Turkey (native)
Turkey-in-Europe (native)
Turkmenistan (native)
Tuva (native)
Ukraine (native)
Utah (native)
Uzbekistan (native)
Vietnam (native)
Virginia (native)
Washington (native)
West Himalaya (native)
West Siberia (native)
West Virginia (native)
Wisconsin (native)
Wyoming (native)
Xinjiang (native)
Yakutskiya (native)
Yugoslavia (native)
Yukon (native)
Zaïre (native)
Chile Central (introduced)
New South Wales (introduced)
New Zealand North (introduced)
Queensland (introduced)
South Australia (introduced)
St.Helena (introduced)
Tasmania (introduced)
Vermont (introduced)
Victoria (introduced)
Western Australia (introduced)