Downy buttercup (Ranunculus lanuginosus, Sp. Pl.: 554 (1753))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 554 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ranunculus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe

Description

The Downy Buttercup, scientifically known as Ranunculus lanuginosus, is a fascinating flowering plant within the Ranunculaceae family. First documented by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this species is distinguished by its uniquely downy or fuzzy foliage, from which it derives its common name.

Native to the diverse landscapes of Europe, the Downy Buttercup thrives in a variety of habitats, often favoring the edges of woodlands and damp meadows. Its presence across the continent is a testament to its adaptability and resilience in different environmental conditions.

The plant itself is marked by its delicate, silky leaves and bright, glossy yellow flowers that typically bloom in late spring to early summer. These vibrant blooms are not only a remarkable sight but also play a crucial role in the local ecosystems, attracting a plethora of pollinators like bees and butterflies.

As a member of the Ranunculaceae family, Ranunculus lanuginosus shares several characteristics with other buttercups, such as lobed leaves and a somewhat sprawling growth habit. However, the distinct downy texture of its leaves provides a simple yet effective way to identify this particular species.

In folklore and herbal traditions, buttercups have often been associated with various symbolic meanings and uses, although it’s important to approach such traditions with care as many Ranunculaceae can be toxic if mishandled or ingested.

Overall, the Downy Buttercup’s blend of aesthetic beauty and ecological significance makes it a treasured component of European flora, continuing to captivate botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Dan: uldhåret ranunkel
Deu: wolliger hahnenfuß
Swe: borstsmörblomma
Lav: villaina gundega
En: Downy Buttercup, Fleecy Buttercup, Woolly Buttercup
Hr: Vunenasti žabnjak
Cs: Pryskyřník kosmatý
Da: Uldhåret ranunkel
Et: Villtulikas
Fi: Villaleinikki
Fr: Renoncule laineuse
De: Wolliger Hahnenfuß
It: Ranuncolo lanuto
Lv: Villainā gundega, Villaina gundega
Fa: کبیکه
Pl: Jaskier kosmaty
Sk: Iskerník chlpatý
Es: Kosmata zlatica
Sv: Borstsmörblomma
Uk: Жовтець шерстистий

Synonyms

• Ranunculus lanuginosus var. parvulus (DC.)
• Ranunculus umbrosus (Ten. & Guss.)
• Ranunculus velutinus (Schur)
• Ranunculus lanuginosus var. grandifolius (Wimm. & Grab.)
• Ranunculastrum lanuginosum ((L.) Fourr.)
• Ranunculus lanuginosus var. umbrosus ((Ten. & Guss.) P.Fourn.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Sweden (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken May 16, 2022 by rostu (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2021 by Christine Perroux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2022 by Martine CHAPUIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2021 by Neli Vb (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 14, 2019 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 23, 2022 by Kamo Steve (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2022 by Sánchez Ángel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2021 by Fernando Ruiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 5, 2022 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2020 by Théron Quentin (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2022 by Вера Иванова (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2019 by Kater Billa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 5, 2022 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2022 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2020 by Bernd Bouillon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2021 by Fernando Ruiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 21, 2022 by Rico Mende (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2020 by marco urbinati (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Mar 30, 2020 by Esin Bozdogangil (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2021 by ValEr (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2022 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7826351)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:713050-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ranunculus lanuginosus L.)

Specifications

Growth