White-flowered buttercup (Ranunculus ololeucos, Fl. Loire-Inf.: 3 (1844))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: J.Lloyd

Bibliography: Fl. Loire-Inf.: 3 (1844)

Year: 1844

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ranunculus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Netherlands to Iberian Pen.

Description

The White-flowered buttercup, known scientifically as Ranunculus ololeucos, is a perennial herbaceous plant characterized by its delicate, white blossoms. This species is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, which includes a diverse range of flowering plants. The White-flowered buttercup thrives in a variety of environments, typically found from the Netherlands to the Iberian Peninsula. This geographical spread indicates the plant’s adaptation to a range of climatic conditions, from temperate to more Mediterranean climates.

The leaves of Ranunculus ololeucos are typically divided or lobed, and its stems are slender and can be somewhat branched. The white flowers, which are the plant’s most distinguishing feature, appear in the spring and summer. Each flower comprises multiple petals arranged around a central cluster of yellow stamens, which create a striking contrast against the white background. The flowers are usually visited by various insect pollinators, which are attracted to their bright appearance and the nectar they provide.

Ranunculus ololeucos is an important species within its habitat, contributing to the ecological diversity and supporting various pollinators. Its presence across such a wide geographical range also indicates a level of ecological resilience. Botanists and plant enthusiasts often admire this species not only for its beauty but also for its adaptability and the role it plays in its native ecosystems.

First described in J. Lloyd’s “Flore de Loiret-Inferieure” in 1844, this plant has been a subject of botanical interest for many years. Observations suggest that, like many members of the Ranunculaceae family, the White-flowered buttercup can be identified by its glossy, often lobed leaves and the characteristic buttercup flower structure, though in this case, featuring white rather than the more common yellow petals.

In cultivation, the White-flowered buttercup prefers moist, well-drained soils and a position that receives ample sunlight. Gardeners who wish to include this beautiful plant in their collections should consider these conditions to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering. Additionally, its natural preference for specific habitats implies that it needs a certain degree of care to replicate its native conditions in a garden setting.

Common Names

Spa: ranunculo blanco
Deu: reinweisser wasserhahnenfuss, reinweißer wasserhahnenfuß
Fra: renoncule toute blanche, renoncule blanche, renoncule du portugal
Eng: white-flowered buttercup
Nld: witte waterranonkel
En: White-flowered buttercup
Nl: Witte waterranonkel
Fr: Renoncule blanche, Renoncule toute blanche, Renoncule du portugal, Renoncule à pétales blancs
De: Reinweißer Wasserhahnenfuß, Reinweisser Wasserhahnenfuss, Reinweisser Wasserhahnenfuß
Es: Ranunculo blanco

Synonyms

• Ranunculus lusitanicus (Freyn)
• Ranunculus ololeucos var. pubescens (C.D.K.Cook)
• Ranunculus lejospermus subsp. ololeucos ((J.Lloyd) Tullb.)
• Batrachium hederaceum subsp. lusitanicum ((Freyn) Nyman)
• Ranunculus ololeucos var. lusitanicus ((Freyn) Franco)
• Ranunculus ololeucos subsp. paucicarpus ((Arv.-Touv.) P.Fourn.)
• Batrachium ololeucos ((J.Lloyd) Bosch)
• Ranunculus paucicarpus (Arv.-Touv.)
• Ranunculus tripartitus subsp. ololeucos ((J.Lloyd) Bonnier & Layens)
• Ranunculus ololeucos var. submersus (Gren.)
• Ranunculus ololeucos var. fluitans (Gren.)
• Ranunculus ololeucos var. terrestris (Gren.)

Distribution

• Belgium (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 21, 1992 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 5, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Section locale de la SBF ABBA – ASSOCIATION BOTANIQUE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2022 by virge epi (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Leaf

Taken Jun 8, 2021 by Jean-Francois Julien (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2020 by bouwe molenbuur (cc-by-sa)

Habit

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

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

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

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

Taken May 13, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Fruit

Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Section locale de la SBF ABBA – ASSOCIATION BOTANIQUE (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 30, 1851 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7278260)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:713369-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ranunculus ololeucos J.Lloyd)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 9

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 3