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The Weed Wire: Creeping Buttercup
Photo by G.D. Carr 2002
History and Native Range: Ranunculus repens is a species of buttercup native to Europe, Asia, and northwest Africa, typically growing in moist, shady areas with poor drainage. It was once sold in many parts of the world as an ornamental groundcover plant, directly leading to its invasive status after escaping from cultivation in the Americas as well as Australia and New Zealand.
The Problem Here: While the name “creeping buttercup” may imply a slow rate of growth, this species actually spreads rather quickly in ideal situations- over 40 ft2 per year. Most of this growth is achieved through stolons put out by the plant from which new plants sprout and take root, much like strawberries. Vegetative growth can also be prompted by mechanical disturbance to the plant, as fragments of roots, stems, and leaves can regrow into new plants. Both these characteristics allow creeping buttercup to completely overtake lawns, meadows, and pastures when enough moisture is available, as mowing or grazing creates new individuals through fragmentation and provides opportunity for the buttercup to overtake surrounding grasses.
While creeping buttercup is a common nuisance in lawn management, the true harm caused by the plant lies in the competition it poses to native plants and its toxicity to grazing animals. All buttercups are moderately toxic to mammals when eaten fresh, though become harmless when dried. Though edible to livestock in this form, hay contamination is another common cause of creeping buttercup infestations. Creeping buttercup also depletes potassium from the soil, which combined with its dense, spreading growth habit inhibits other plants from growing in areas buttercup has become established. All these characteristics make the plant troublesome to both agricultural lands and natural areas.
Identification: For much of the year- generally March to August- buttercups are easily recognizable by the small, shiny, bright yellow flowers for which they are named. Though some look-alike weeds can be found within the county such as tall buttercup or lesser celandine, creeping buttercup can also be easily confused with the native Western buttercup, Ranunculus occidentalis.
Two main features that differentiates creeping buttercup from the others mentioned are its leaves, which occur in leaflets of three with the end leaflet attached by a stalk, and the fact that it spreads by stolons. Western and tall buttercups, meanwhile, have singular leaves without stalks between leaflets. Additionally, creeping buttercup often has pale blotches on the upper side of its leaves.
Left: Creeping buttercup. Photo by Alan Bateman. Top right: Western buttercup. Photo by Gerald D. Carr. Bottom Right: Tall buttercup. Photo by jwibss via Wordpress.
Lesser celandine- similar flowers and growth habit, very different leaves.
Manual Control: Small, individual creeping buttercup plants may be carefully handpulled or dug out, taking caution not to leave behind stem, root, or stolon fragments so as to prevent re-infestation. Digging or pulling when the soil is wet may help minimize plant breakage. Manual control of larger creeping buttercup infestations can be difficult and disturbing the soil may increase buttercup seed germination; seeds remain viable for 20 years or more, so long-term regular reinspection of a formerly infested area may be necessary to ensure full eradication. Mowing is not an effective means of controlling the plant.
Herbicides: Both non-selective herbicides (such as glyphosate) and broadleaf-selective herbicides (such as triclopyr or 2,4-D) may be effective against creeping buttercup. If using herbicides, be sure to follow label directions and ONLY apply as specified. Selective herbicides may be preferable so as to avoid killing off surrounding grasses, which help prevent re-establishment of buttercup.
Cultural Control: As buttercups are toxic to livestock, grazing is not an effective form of control. However, infestations may be able to be smothered with tarp, cardboard, or a heavy layer of mulch. Creeping buttercup infestations may be prevented by keeping gardening and farming tools and equipment clean, increasing seeding rate of grasses for lawns and pastures, avoiding overgrazing, fertilizing when needed, and utilizing best practices for soil health- ensuring good drainage via aerating and avoiding trampling when wet.
Links to Information and Studies:
Upcoming Board Meetings
Our next board meeting will be held on October 8th, 2026 via Zoom. These meetings cover the general business of LSWCD, while also convening to decide the next steps the District will take in overall operations or within specific programs.
For registration assistance or special accommodation call the office (541-265-2631) or email Tyler Clouse (info@lincolnswcd.org).
Board of Directors Meetings take place at least once a month, generally on the second Thursday of the month, from 6 to 8 p.m. All meetings are open to the public, with the exception of occasional Executive Sessions.
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