Family: Ranunculaceae
Author: Willd.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 2: 1321 (1799)
Year: 1799
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ranunculus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mts. of C. & SC. Europe
Description
The Mountain buttercup, scientifically known as Ranunculus montanus, is a notable and vibrant member of the Ranunculaceae family. This perennial flowering plant is identified by its bright yellow blossoms, which are a charming sight amid the rugged terrains of Central and Southern Europe, where it naturally thrives.
First described and cataloged by Willdenow in the 4th edition of “Species Plantarum” in 1799, Ranunculus montanus has since been appreciated for its impressive adaptability to mountainous ecosystems. Its common habitat includes the high-altitude regions and rocky landscapes, where it has become a resilient symbol of alpine flora.
The Mountain buttercup typically stands out due to its glossy, buttercup-yellow petals, which are not only visually delightful but also serve an ecological purpose by attracting a variety of pollinators that are active in these challenging environments.
Despite the harsh conditions of its native mountains, Ranunculus montanus exhibits a resilient growth pattern. It has adapted to thrive in poor soils, often flourishing in areas where other plants may fail to prosper. The lush, green foliage forms a striking contrast with its bright blooms, making it a favored subject for botanical study and horticultural admiration.
In summary, the Mountain buttercup, or Ranunculus montanus, is a distinguished member of the buttercup family, notable for its vibrant yellow flowers and its ability to endure and thrive in the mountainous regions of Central and Southern Europe. Its historical description by Willdenow underscores its longstanding recognition and significance within the botanical community.
Common Names
Deu: berg-hahnenfuß, gewöhnlicher berg-hahnenfuß
Swe: bergsmörblomma
En: Mountain Buttercup
Bg: Планинско лютиче
Ca: Ranuncle muntanyenc
Cs: Pryskyřník horský
Fi: Vuorileinikki
Fr: Renoncule des montagnes
De: Berg-Hahnenfuß, Gewöhnlicher Berg-Hahnenfuß, Echter Berghahnenfuß
It: Ranuncolo montano
Pl: Jaskier górski
Ro: Piciorul cocoșului de munte
Sk: Iskerník horský
Es: Botón de oro de las montañas
Sv: Bergsmörblomma
Synonyms
- Ranunculus gouanii (Sm.)
- Ranunculus polymorphus (Rochel)
- Ranunculus arolae (Murr)
- Ranunculus acris var. montanus ((Willd.) Hartm.)
- Ranunculastrum gracile (Fourr.)
- Ranunculus preslii (Weihe ex Opiz)
- Ranunculus montanus var. tenuifolius (DC.)
- Ranunculus montanus var. tenellus (Gaudin)
- Ranunculus montanus subsp. geraniifolius (Nyman)
- Ranunculus montanus var. thomasii (Gaudin)
- Ranunculus lerchenfeldianus (Schur)
- Ranunculus lycoctonifolius (Hegetschw.)
- Ranunculus gelidus (Schur)
- Ranunculus szurulensis (Lerchenf. ex Schur)
- Ranunculus tenuifolius ((DC.) Schleich.)
- Ranunculus schurii (Fuss ex Schur)
- Ranunculus gracilis (Schleich.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Italy (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
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 Jun 2, 2021 by Eliverta Eliverta (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2021 by Alain rivière (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Ju Koanna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2020 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 14, 2017 by Jan Muus (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 22, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 19, 2020 by Thomas Brisard (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2020 by judit Galló (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 22, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 19, 2020 by Thomas Brisard (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2021 by Lorenzo Lorenzo (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2021 by Alain rivière (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 16, 2009 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2017 by Ella Doveton (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2021 by Fernand FORAY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 4, 2021 by Anton Cab (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 12, 2022 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 3, 2022 by Dave Flack (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 1997 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:713262-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7456960)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ranunculus montanus Willd.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 6
Atmospheric humidity: 6
Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]
Soil nutriments: 6