Greater spearwort (Ranunculus lingua, Sp. Pl.: 549 (1753))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 549 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ranunculus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Siberia and W. Himalaya

Description

The Greater Spearwort, known scientifically as Ranunculus lingua, is an exceptional member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. This plant was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, featuring in his seminal work ‘Species Plantarum’.

This widespread species can be found from the temperate regions of Europe stretching eastwards into Siberia, and further extending to the western Himalayas. The expansive distribution of the Greater Spearwort underscores its adaptability and ecological significance across various habitats.

Characterized by its tall and robust stature, Ranunculus lingua thrives in wetland environments such as marshlands, riverbanks, and lakesides. Its preference for moist conditions contributes to its role in enhancing the biodiversity and stability of these ecosystems.

The plant is notable for its spear-shaped leaves, which is reflected in its common name. These leaves are typically long and narrow, complementing the tall stems that can reach conspicuous heights. During its blooming period, the Greater Spearwort produces vibrant yellow flowers, which add an attractive burst of color to its natural surroundings. These flowers are not only visually appealing but also play a crucial role in supporting local pollinators.

Overall, the Greater Spearwort stands out as a vital component of the wetland flora, contributing to the health and diversity of ecosystems across its extensive range. Its historical botanical documentation by Linnaeus and its widespread presence from Europe to the Himalayas attest to its enduring significance in both botanical studies and natural landscapes.

Common Names

Eng: greater spearwort
Deu: grosser sumpfhahnenfuss, zungen-hahnenfuß
Nor: kjempesoleie
Dan: langbladet ranunkel
Nld: grote boterbloem
Fra: renoncule langue, grande douve
Swe: sjöranunkel, åmöga, åmöja
Cym: blaen y gwayw mwyaf, llafnlys mawr, llysiau’r gwayw mwyaf
En: Greater spearwort
Hy: Գորտնուկ երկարատերև
Be: Казялец даўгалісты
Bg: Езичесто лютиче
Ca: Ranuncle de canyissar
Zh: 长叶毛茛
Kw: Les an guw
Cs: Pryskyřník velký
Da: Langbladet ranunkel
Nl: Grote boterbloem
Et: Suur tulikas
Fi: Jokileinikki
Fr: Grande Douve, Renoncule langue
De: Großer Hahnenfuß, Grosser Sumpfhahnenfuss, Zungen-Hahnenfuß, Großer Sumpf-Hahnenfuß
Hu: Nádi boglárka
It: Ranuncolo delle canne
Lv: Garlapu gundega
Li: Eechelkaole
Lt: Pelkinis vėdrynas
No: Kjempesoleie
Fa: آلاله مردابی
Pl: Jaskier wielki
Ru: Лютик длиннолистный
Sk: Iskerník veľký
Es: Ranúnculo grande
Sv: Sjöranunkel, Åmöga, Åmöja
Uk: Жовтець язиколистий
Cy: Llafnlys mawr, Blaen y Gwayw Mwyaf, Llysiau’r Gwayw Mwyaf

Synonyms

• Ranunculus salicifolius (Stokes)
• Ranunculus lingua var. flammuliformis (Lej. & Courtois)
• Ranunculus lingua var. natans (Klett & Richt.)
• Ranunculus lingua var. glaber (Lej.)
• Ranunculus lingua var. glabratus (Wallr.)
• Ranunculus lingua f. latifolius (Wimm. & Grab.)
• Flammula lingua ((L.) Fourr.)
• Ranunculus longifolius (Lam.)
• Ranunculus schmidtii (Schur)
• Ranunculus lingua f. angustifolius (Wimm. & Grab.)
• Ranunculus lingua var. hirsutus (Wallr.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 5, 2020 by Paul Delahaij (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Palo Rapos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2019 by Ike Bylsma (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2021 by Patrick Nard (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 30, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2021 by Patrick Nard (cc-by-sa)

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

Habit

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Palo Rapos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 12, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 24, 2022 by Else Nolden (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jun 30, 1880 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 1877 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 1905 by Tela Botanica − Anne-Marie GRIMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8310009)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:713102-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ranunculus lingua L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 9

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 5