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Bulbous buttercup

​​Latin name: Ranunculus bulbosus
Family: Ranunculaceae
Other common names; Goldcup, Frogs-foot
Flowering time: March to June
Height: 40cm
Growing conditions: prefers sunny areas and cannot tolerate early competition from taller plants. Prefers nutrient poor and well-drained soils.
Nectar source for: Brown Argus, Dingy Skipper, Duke of Burgundy, Green-veined White, Grizzled Skipper, Heath Fritillary, Holly Blue, Marsh Fritillary, Meadow Brown, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small Copper, Small Heath, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Food source for: 

Description
The bulbous buttercup is a perennial herb that gets its name from its distinctive 'perennating organ': a bulb-like, swollen underground stem, which is situated just below the soil's surface. It becomes established where fresh soil is exposed, finding it hard to compete with taller, established plants. After the plant dies in summer, the 'corm' (the swollen stem) survives underground through the winter.


How to identify: The bulbous buttercup has bright yellow flowers with downturned sepals underneath the petals. It has a hairy stem with a bulb-like swelling at the base, and leaves with three lobes.
How to propagate: Propagate by seed. Fresh seed is normally dormant and requires a period of after-ripening to achieve maximum germination.

Contact; Catriona Bass                               

EMAIL LONGMEAD.COUNTYWILDLIFESITE@GMAIL.COM

LONG MEAD FOUNDATION (Charity number 1196294): Email longmeadfoundation@gmail.com
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