Bulbous Buttercup

Ranunculus bulbosus

Weed Description
A low-growing perennial with divided leaves and distinctive yellow flowers. The buttercups are common weeds of turfgrass, lawns, pastures, hay fields, and occasionally landscapes. Bulbous buttercup is found throughout the eastern and western United States.

Seedlings
Cotyledons occur on petioles and are oval to elliptic in outline. The first true leaves are hairy and divided into 3 lobes. True leaves also occur on petioles.

Stems
Erect, from 8 to 24 inches in height but generally more prostrate in turfgrass and lawns. Stems are occasionally hairy near the base and end in a typical buttercup flower.

Flowers
Single flowers occur on flower stalks at the ends of stems. Flowers range from 1/2 to 1 1/4 inches wide and consist of 5 to 7 bright yellow petals.

Fruit
An achene.

Trouble identifying a weed?

For additional assistance identifying weeds, contact Dr. Kevin Braldly, State Extension Weed Scientist (bradleyke@missouri.edu).

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Bulbous Buttercup

Ranunculus bulbosus

Trouble identifying a weed?