Large white buttercup (Ranunculus platanifolius, Mant. Pl.: 79 (1767))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Mant. Pl.: 79 (1767)

Year: 1767

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ranunculus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe

Description

The Large White Buttercup, known scientifically as Ranunculus platanifolius, is a captivating member of the Ranunculaceae family. First documented in the botanical work “Mant. Pl.” in 1767 by the esteemed author Carl Linnaeus, this plant has since garnered attention for its beauty and adaptability across Europe.

The Large White Buttercup earns its common name from the striking white blooms that grace its stems. Each flower is characterized by a delicate array of petals that contrast vividly against the backdrop of lush, green foliage. The leaves of Ranunculus platanifolius are notable for their broad, somewhat maple-like shape, lending the plant an elegant and distinctive appearance.

Native to Europe, the Large White Buttercup thrives in various habitats, often favoring meadows, forest clearings, and moist, mountainous regions. Its ability to adapt to different environments makes it a resilient and widespread species within its geographical range.

This plant’s allure is not solely in its visual appeal; it also plays a significant role in the local ecosystem. By attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, Ranunculus platanifolius contributes to the biodiversity and health of its habitat. As with many members of the Ranunculaceae family, the Large White Buttercup may also possess certain medicinal properties, a topic that continues to pique the interest of botanists and herbalists alike.

In gardens and cultivated landscapes, the Large White Buttercup can serve as an elegant ornamental plant. Its flowers bloom beautifully during the spring and summer months, providing a refreshing burst of white amidst green garden spaces. Careful attention to soil moisture and light conditions can help ensure the successful cultivation of this charming species.

In conclusion, the Large White Buttercup, Ranunculus platanifolius, stands out not only for its striking floral display but also for its ecological importance and cultural significance. Whether observed in the wild or cultivated in a garden, this plant continues to enchant all who encounter it.

Common Names

Deu: platanenblättriger hahnenfuß
Nob: hvitsoleie
Nno: kvitsoleie
Nor: qvitt-soløæj, rømme-græss, skov-soløje, soløj-konge, soløjkonge
Swe: vitsippsranunkel
Sme: nástenoarsa
En: Large White Buttercup
Bg: Чинаролистно лютиче
Cs: Pryskyřník platanolistý
Nl: Witte boterbloem, Plataanbladige boterbloem
Fi: Valkoleinikki
Fr: Renoncule à feuilles de platane
De: Platanen-Hahnenfuß, Platanenblättriger Hahnenfuß
It: Ranuncolo a foglia di Platano, Ranuncolo a foglie di platano
Se: Nástenoarsa
No: Hvitsoleie, Kvitsoleie, Qvitt-soløæj, Rømme-græss, Skov-soløje, Soløj-konge, Soløjkonge
Nb: Hvitsoleie
Nn: Kvitsoleie
Pl: Jaskier platanolistny
Sv: Vitsippsranunkel
Uk: Жовтець платанолистий
: Large white buttercup

Synonyms

• Ranunculus aconitifolius var. dealbatus (P.Fourn.)
• Ranunculus aconitifolius subsp. platanifolius ((L.) Berher)
• Ranula platanifolia ((L.) Fourr.)
• Ranunculus aconitifolius var. platanifolius ((L.) Hartm.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

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

Flower

Taken May 24, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Jun 6, 2020 by André Hyvrier (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2017 by Dieter Cuypers (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 23, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu Sinet (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken May 24, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2021 by Jaroslava Starcová (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

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

Fruit

Taken Jul 7, 2018 by robylussi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2022 by elen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 4, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2020 by MICHEL DUSSERE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3928928)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:713535-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ranunculus platanifolius L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 7