Ranunculus Sp. - Buttercup

Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family) ^[E-flora]

"Annual, perennial herb, occasionally from stolons or caudices, terrestrial or aquatic; roots generally fibrous. Stem: prostrate to erect. Leaf: basal, cauline, or both, alternate, generally reduced upward; petiole base flat, stipule-like or not; basal, proximal cauline petioles generally long; blades simple to dissected or compound, entire to toothed. Inflorescence: cyme, axillary or terminal, 1–few-flowered. Flower: sepals 3–5(6), generally early-deciduous, generally green to yellow or purple; petals 0–17[(150)], shiny, generally yellow, occasionally white or purple, nectaries near base, pocket-like or with flap-like scale; anthers yellow; pistils generally many. Fruit: achene, compressed or not, ± spheric, disk-like (width 3–15 × depth), or lenticular (width 1–2 × depth), beaked.
± 300 species: worldwide except lowland tropics; some ornamental. (Latin: small frog, from wet habitats)
Unabridged etymology: (Latin: diminutive of Rana, frog, from wet habitats)" ^[Jepson]

Local Species;

1. Ranunculus acris - meadow buttercup ^[E-flora]
2. Ranunculus alismifolius - water-plantain buttercup ^[E-flora]
3. Ranunculus aquatilis - white water-buttercup ^[E-flora]
4. Ranunculus bulbosus - bulbous buttercup
5. Ranunculus californicus - California buttercup
6. Ranunculus cooleyae - Cooley's Buttercup
7. Ranunculus cymbalaria - shore buttercup
8. Ranunculus eschscholtzii - subalpine buttercup
9. Ranunculus ficaria - lesser celandine
10. Ranunculus flammula - lesser spearwort
11. Ranunculus gmelinii - small yellow water-buttercup
12. Ranunculus grayi - arctic buttercup
13. Ranunculus lobbii - Lobb's water-buttercup
14. Ranunculus macounii - Macoun's buttercup
15. Ranunculus occidentalis var occidentalis - western buttercup
16. Ranunculus orthorhynchus - straight-beaked buttercup
17. Ranunculus pensylvanicus - Pennsylvania buttercup
18. Ranunculus pygmaeus - pygmy buttercup
19. Ranunculus repens - creeping buttercup
20. Ranunculus sardous - hairy buttercup
21. Ranunculus sceleratus - celery-leaved buttercup
22. Ranunculus uncinatus - little buttercup

Buttercup Scientific Name Ranunculus aquatilis
Mechanism of Toxic Action Contains protoanemonin, which reacts with SH groups to produce irritation and vesication, excreted unchanged in urine
Signs and Symptoms of Overdose Abdominal cramps, blistering, bloody diarrhea, contact dermatitis, pain and swelling, potential for renal irritation or damage if a large enough amount is ingested, salivation, vomiting, ulceration
Toxicodynamics/Kinetics Significant dermal symptoms may take several weeks to resolve
Overdosage/Treatment
Decontamination: Avoid use of ipecac or cathartics, consider lavage (within 1 hour) and/or activated charcoal with large ingestion to prevent systemic absorption and possibility of subsequent renal irritation Supportive therapy: Maintain fluid and electrolytes, maintain adequate urine flow in large overdose; monitor symptomatic patients for fluid or electrolyte deficiencies
Additional Information Toxic dose: Not established, but overdose producing systemic effects is unlikely due to painful skin contact. Plant is most toxic during flowering stage. Toxic part: Sap

ranunculustcm1.jpg [CRNAH]
ranunculustcm.jpg [CRNAH]

ranunculusnutri.jpg [Turner&Kuhnlein]
ranunculusnutri2.jpg [Turner&Kuhnlein]

The acrid properties of the two common grassland species Ranunculus acris and R. bulbosus (which are unlikely to have been distinguished from one another) are shared by most other British Isles members of the genus, with the result that they featured in folk use almost as widely as lesser spearwort, R. flammula Linnaeus, for their power to raise blisters and to act as a counterirritant for all rheumatic afflictions in the same way as nettles. Records of that use are specially frequent in the Highlands and Western Isles in the eighteenth century, but that doubtless only reflects the fact that it persisted there longest—later ones occur scattered across the English and Irish lowlands. All three species similarly acted as a remedy for toothache and for headaches, though more rarely and the latter records are wholly Irish.20 Again, chewing the leaf, or rubbing the affected portion with one, acted as a strong counterirritant.
One or both of the acrid grassland species have also attracted an impressive diversity of other uses. Marginally the most widespread of these has been as a wart cure but, surprisingly, the British records for that are all from the far south of England only: Devon21 Somerset,22 Sussex23 and Middlesex.24 This cure, however, is a ‘regular’ in herbals back to Pliny, and that distribution possibly betrays an inheritance solely from the medicines of the books. Related to that use was presumably the Highland one of applying a buttercup poultice to a swelling on the sole of the foot.25 Other ailments for which these plants have been valued are skin troubles in England (Cornwall,26 Dorset27) and bleeding from cuts and wounds in Scotland (Berwickshire,28 the Highlands29).
In common with that other yellow-flowered herb with an age-old reputation for curing eye troubles, greater celandine (Chelidonium majus), the creeping buttercup, Ranunculus repens Linnaeus, has been identified as the species widely renowned in parts of Cornwall as the ‘kenning herb’, from its use as an ointment for healing the eye ulcers known as ‘kennings’.30 No doubt it was carefully picked out because it was known to be non-caustic, unlike its similar-looking relatives. Surprisingly, though, it was apparently not that but the species known to its user(s) as ‘meadow crowfoot’ that has been favoured for inflamed eyes in Norfolk.31
Irish uses seem to have been largely different. Apart from a repeat of the southern English cure for warts in Louth,32 those recorded include for heartburn (Clare,33 Limerick34), kidney trouble (Meath35), hydrophobia (the north-western Midlands),36 mumps or swollen glands (the Aran Islands37)— but in this case only after boiling the juice to allay the possibility of blistering— and consumption or suppurating tuberculosis (the western border counties,38 Galway39). The acrid species have also shared with the non-acrid Ranunculus repens popularity only there as a jaundice cure (Antrim,40 Carlow41).[MPFT]

Ranunculus affinis R. Br. (Ranunculaceae). northern buttercup. The flowers of the northern buttercup were burned for incense purposes in China (von Reis and Lipp 1982).
Ranunculus multifidus Forssk. (Ranunculaceae). wild buttercup. The Sotho of South Africa inhaled the smoke produced by burning the entire plant to treat headaches (Jacot Guillarmod 1971).
Ranunculus pensylvanicus L. f. (Ranunculaceae). Pennsylvania buttercup. Smoke from burning seeds was used by the Flambeau Ojibwa of North America as a hunting aid to lure buck deer to within arrow range (Smith 1932).[UAPDS]

(Ranunculus scleratus) This is the most poisonous of the buttercups. It is, as Rambosson described it, “…une espèce très dangéreuse, dont les seules émanations excitent l’éternuement et des armes. Prise à l’intérieur, elle produit la contraction de la bouche et des joues, un rire sardonique…”, which is probably what Apuleius was talking about in the Anglo-Saxon version of his herbarium, translated by Cockayne as “…whatsoever man fasting eats this wort, leaves his life laughing”. (There is a French name, Herbe sardonique). Nevertheless, he goes on to list a few medicinal uses, for wounds and running sores (which can be caused anyway by contact with the extremely acrid juice, for which the plant had to be prepared as some kind of poultice, and “against swellings and against warts” (that is: strumae et furunculi), when it had to be pounded with swine’s dung, and laid on – “within a few hours it will drive away the evil, and draw out the pus”. Celery-leaved Buttercup crops up in Chinese medicine, the seeds being used for colds, rheumatism, etc., (F P Smith), and the whole herb is sued for ailments as diverse as malaria, boils and snake-bite (Chinese medicinal herbs of Hong Kong)

Poisonous Buttercup
Ranunculus sceleratus
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the fresh herb
Characteristics: A bruised leaf coming into contact with the skin creates a blister that heals very slowly.
Production: Poisonous Buttercup is the fresh herb of R. sceleratus, which is gathered in October. ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Glycoside ranunculin: as protoanemonine-forming agent in the, freshly harvested plant (1.4% of the fresh weight) that changes enzymatically when the plant is cut into small pieces, and probably also while it is drying, into the pungent. volatile protoanemonine that quickly dimerizes to non-mucous-membrane-irritating anemonine. When dried, the plant may not be capable of protoanemonine formation.
Saponins
EFFECTS
The active agents are ranunculin, protoanemonin and anemonin and flavoid in the leaves. The plant is highly toxic. The juice contains protoanemonin, which causes pain and burning sensations, increases saliva secretion and causes severe inflammation of the tongue.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Poisonous Buttercup is used as a skin stimulant for skin diseases (such as scabies) and leukoderma. Homeopathic Uses: Poisonous Buttercup is used for skin complaints, swollen muscles and joints, and influenza.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages of the dehydrated drug. Extended skin contact with the freshly harvested, bruised plant can lead to blister formation and cauterizations that are difficult to heal due to the resulting protoanemonine, which is severely irritating to skin and mucous membranes. If taken internally, severe irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, combined with colic and diarrhea, as well as irritation of the urinary drainage passages, may occur. Symptomatic treatment for external contact consists of mucilaginosa after irrigation with diluted potassium permanganate solution. In case of internal contact. administration of activated charcoal should follow gastric lavage.
OVERDOSAGE
Death by asphyxiation following the intake of large quantities of protoanemonine-forming plants has been observed in animal experiments.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: The herb is available as a mother tincture and extract in homeopathic dilutions.

SPEARWORT i.e., LESSER SPEARWORT (Ranunculus flammula), and GREATER SPEARWORT (Ranunculus lingua) The plant was used medicinally for blistering, especially in the Highlands and Hebrides (Grigson. 1955). Martin (1703) has this description of its uise for sciatica: “Flammula Jovis, or Spire-wort, being cut small, and a limpet shell filled with it, and applied to the thighbone, causes a blister to arise about the bigness of an egg; which being cut, a quantity of watery matter issues from it: the blister rises three times, and being emptied as often, the cure is performed …”. Of course it will raise a blister – all the buttercups will. But a Somerset entry records the use of the juice to raise a blister on the hands deliberately, and apparently ponies were treated this way for some unspecified ailment (Tongue. 1965). Lindley knew the distilled water as an emetic, but apparently it did not need this sophistication – a little of the infusion was drunk in Skye in melted fresh butter for an efficient purge (Martin).
“The common cure for farcy in horses was sparrowweed (i.e., GREATER SPEARWORT) stewed with garlic” (Ireland) (Foster). It was sometimes used for swine fever there, too (Moloney).

References

• Jepson - Alan T. Whittemore, 2013. Ranunculus, in Jepson Flora Project (eds.) Jepson eFlora, http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_IJM.pl?tid=10141, accessed on Jan 28 2015

Ranunculus acris - meadow buttercup

Ranunculus acris is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, lepidoptera.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

All parts of the plant are poisonous, the toxins can be destroyed by heat or by drying[4, 10, 13, 19, 62, 65]. The plant has a strongly acrid juice that can cause blistering to the skin[65, 183]. .

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked and used as greens[257]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

The whole plant is acrid, anodyne, antispasmodic, diaphoretic and rubefacient[4, 21]. The plant has been crushed and applied as a poultice to the chest to relieve colds and chest pains[257]. The fresh leaves have been used as a rubefacient in the treatment of rheumatism etc[222]. The flowers and the leaves have been crushed and sniffed as a treatment for headaches[257]. An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea[257]. The poulticed root is also rubefacient and was applied to boils and abscess[222, 257]. The plant sap has been used to remove warts[4]. The sap has also been used as a sedative[257]. The flowers are used in Tibetan medicine, where they are considered to have an acrid taste and a heating potency[241]. Their use is said to promote heat, dissolve tumours and draw out serous fluids[241]. They are used in the treatment of disorders brought about by rotting sores or wounds[241]. Use with caution[21], the whole plant is extremely acrid and can cause intense pain and burning of the mouth, mucous membranes etc[222].

Bella Coola: Roots used as a poultice for boils in the same way as those of the false bugbane, but considered stronger and better.

More Medicinal Uses

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the herb.
Characteristics: The fresh herb is spicy and poisonous; once dried, it is no longer poisonous.
Production: Buttercup is the fresh herb Ranunculus acris.
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Glycoside ranunculin: as protoanemonine-forming agent in the freshly harvested plant (0.36-2.66% of the fresh weight) that changes enzymatically when the plant is cut into small pieces, and probably also while it is drying, into the pungent, volatile protoanemonine that quickly dimerizes to non-mucous-membrane-irritating anemonine. Once dried, the plant may not be capable of protoanemonine formation.
Saponins
EFFECTS
The active agents are ranunculin, protoanemonin and anemonin. On contact with the skin, the juice of the plant causes redness, swelling and blisters. If taken internally, it can lead to burning in the mouth, vomiting, stomachache and pains in the liver.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Buttercup is used for blisters, bronchitis, chronic skin complaints, neuralgia and rheumatism.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages of the dehydrated drug. Extended skin contact with the freshly harvested, bruised plant can lead to blister formation and cauterizations that are difficult to heal due to the resulting protoanemonine, which is severely irritating to skin and mucous membranes. If taken internally, severe irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, combined with colic and diarrhea, as well as irritation of the urinary drainage passages, may occur.
Symptomatic treatment for external contact should consist of mucilaginosa, after irrigation with diluted potassium permanganate solution. In case of internal contact, administration of activated charcoal should follow gastric lavage.
OVERDOSAGE
Death by asphyxiation following the intake of large quantities of protoanemonine-forming plants has been observed in animal experiments.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Buttercup is available as a ground dried herb and as an extract.

Lore
BUTTERCUP
i.e., Ranunculus acris (Meadow Buttercup). R bulbosus (Bulbous Buttercup) and R repens (Creeping Buttercup). Meadow buttercup was rubbed on cows’ udders with some ceremony on May Day in Ireland. One wonders why, though it is because of the long-lived tradition, flying in the face of all the facts, that buttercups impart a good colour to butter, or that they improve the quality of the milk. In fact, of course, the milk of cows that eat them becomes tainted, and the same holds true for the butter. But usually, cows will not eat buttercups at all, for they are all extremely acrid. The point is that they grow in good soil, and such soil produces a lot of good grass. That is what cows eat to improve their milk, not the buttercups.
The acrid principle made the plants notorious at one time, for beggars used them to raise blisters on their feet. As Gerard said, “cunning beggars do use it to stampe the leaves, and lay it unto their legs and arms, which causeth such filthy ulcers as we day by day see (among such wicked vagabonds) to move people the more to pitie”.
Thornton actually said that they have been used internally for worms. Certainly, it would do the worms no good at all, but surely their host would suffer equally! Ô Súilleabháin quotes an Irish use of the juice for jaundice. This must surely be our doctrine of signatures. Any yellow plant, or anything with yellow juice, would automatically recommend itself to treat the yellow disease. A homeopathetic tincture of buttercup is taken, internally, for shingles (Leyel. 1937), and there are early records from Ireland of its use for St Anthony’s Fire, i.e., erysipelas. Earlier still, Apuleius seemed confident with a recipe using one of the buttercups: “For a lunatic, take this wort, and wreathe it with red thread about the man’s swere [neck], when the moon is on the wane, in the month which is called April, or in the early part of October, soon will he be healed” (Cockayne). Perhaps we are still talking about counter-irritants!

Cultivation
Prefers a moist loamy soil[1]. Grows well in marshy soils[24]. Plants are hardy to at least -20°c[187]. A good plant for the summer meadow[24]. It spreads rapidly by means of runners and is often a weed in lawns or gardens. A polymorphic species, there is at least one named variety. 'Flore Pleno' is a double-flowered form that does not spread by runners and so is unlikely to become a nuisance in the garden[187]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

Propagation
Seed - sow spring in situ. You are very unlikely to need to encourage this plant. Division in spring. Very easy, though probably totally unnecessary, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

References

• http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Ranunculus%20acris&redblue=Both&lifeform=7 [Accessed: 4/3/2015]
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ranunculus+acris, Accessed April 3, 2015

Ranunculus alismifolius - water-plantain buttercup

Ranunculus aquatilis - white water-buttercup

Ranunculus bulbosus - bulbous buttercup

Ranunculus bulbosus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. It is not frost tender. It is in flower from Mar to June. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, lepidoptera.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

All parts of the plant are poisonous, the toxins can be destroyed by heat or by drying[4, 10, 13, 19, 62, 65]. The plant has a strongly acrid juice that can cause blistering to the skin[65, 183]. .

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked. A famine food used when all else fails[177], and I would rather give it a miss even then[K]!

Root - must be dried beforehand and thoroughly cooked[105, 183]. When boiled, the roots are said to become so mild as to be eatable[2], though personally, I would rather give this one a miss as well[K]. See the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses
The whole plant, and especially the sap, is acrid, anodyne, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, rubefacient[4, 21]. It was at one time rubbed on the skin by beggars in order to produce open sores and thereby excite sympathy[4]. The root has been placed in a tooth cavity to act as a painkiller[257]. A decoction of the plant has been used in the treatment of VD[257]. Use this remedy with caution, see the notes above on toxicity[21].

Cultivation
Prefers a moist loamy soil[1]. A common weed of lawns and gardens, it can be very difficult to eradicate when established[4]. It is a polymorphic species[17] and there is at least one named variety which has been selected for its ornamental value[187]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. This species is a common weed and doesn't really need any help from us. Division in spring. Very easy, though probably totally unnecessary, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

References

• http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Ranunculus%20bulbosus&redblue=Both&lifeform=7 [Accessed: 4/3/2015]
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ranunculus+bulbosus, Accessed April 3, 2015

Ranunculus californicus - California buttercup

Ranunculus californicus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is hardy to zone (UK) 7. It is in flower from May to July. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Although no specific record of toxicity has been found for this plant, many if not all members of this genus are poisonous. These toxins can be destroyed by heat or by drying[4, 10, 13, 19, 62, 65]. Many if not all plants in this genus also have a strongly acrid juice that can cause blistering to the skin[65, 183]. .

Edible Uses

Seed - cooked[257]. It is usually ground into a powder and can then be used as a mush with water, a flavouring in soups, or mixed with cereals when making bread etc[105, 161, 257].

Cultivation
Prefers a moist loamy soil[1]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

References

• http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Ranunculus%20californicus&redblue=Both&lifeform=7 [Accessed: 4/3/2015]
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ranunculus+californicus, Accessed April 3, 2015

Ranunculus cooleyae - Cooley's Buttercup

Ranunculus cymbalaria - shore buttercup

Ranunculus eschscholtzii - subalpine buttercup

Ranunculus ficaria - lesser celandine

Ranunculus ficaria is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a fast rate. It is not frost tender. It is in leaf 6-Jan It is in flower from Mar to May. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

All parts of the plant are poisonous. The toxins are unstable and of low toxicity, they are easily destroyed by heat or by drying[19]. The sap can cause irritation to the skin[65]. Do not use internally. Stop using the herb if breathing problems or chest & throat tightness [301].

Edible Uses
Young leaves in spring - raw or cooked as a potherb[2, 74, 105, 183]. The first leaves in spring make an excellent salad[9]. The leaves, stalks and buds can be used like spinach[9], whilst the blanched stems are also eaten[46, 183]. The leaves turn poisonous as the fruit matures[74]. Caution is advised regarding the use of this plant for food, see the notes above on toxicity. Bulbils - cooked and used as a vegetable[9, 105]. The bulbils are formed at the leaf axils and also at the roots[9, 183]. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. The flower buds make a good substitute for capers[183].

Other Uses
The flower petals are an effective tooth cleaner[60]. ( See notes at top of the page before using the petals) The plant often forms dense carpets when grown in the shade and can therefore be used as a ground cover though they die down in early summer. This should be done with some caution, however, since the plant can easily become an unwanted and aggressive weed in the garden[K].

Medicinal Uses
Lesser celandine has been used for thousands of years in the treatment of haemorrhoids and ulcers[254]. It is not recommended for internal use because it contains several toxic components[254]. The whole plant, including the roots, is astringent[4, 165, 238]. It is harvested when flowering in March and April and dried for later use[4]. It is widely used as a remedy for piles and is considered almost a specific[4, 238]. An infusion can be taken internally or it can be made into an ointment and used externally[4, 238]. It is also applied externally to perineal damage after childbirth[238]. Some caution is advised because it can cause irritation to sensitive skins[244].

Medicinal
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the fresh herb.
Characteristics: The herb has a hot, unpleasant taste and is toxic.
Production: Lesser Celandine is the fresh herb of Ranunculus ficaria. ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
The glycoside ranunculin as protoanemonine-forming agent: The freshly-harvested plant (0.06-0.35% of the fresh weight, of which only 3 % of the overall content of the plant is contained in the leaves, 68 % in the stalks, 25 % in the blossoms) changes enzymatically when it is cut into small pieces, and probably also when it is dried, into the pungent, volatile protoanemonine that quickly dimerizes to non-mucus-membrane-irritating anemonine. When dried, the plant is not capable of protoanemonine-formation.
EFFECTS
Active agents are tannin, the alkaloids chelidonin and cholerytrin, the saponin fikarin and large quantities of vitamin C.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Lesser Celandine is used for scurvy, treatment of bleeding wounds, gums and swollen joints.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
The dangers of irritation of the skin and mucus membranes are relatively low with pilewort. The consumption of small quantities of the fresh leaf sheaths (before blossoming; the stem should be discarded) as a springtime salad is unproblematic.
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages of the dehydrated drug. Extended skin contact with the freshly-harvested, bruised plant can lead to blister formation and cauterizations which are difficult to heal due to the resulting protoanemonine, that is severely irritating to skin and mucus membranes.
If taken internally, severe irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, combined with colic and diarrhea, as well as irritations of the urinary drainage passages, are possible. Symptomatic treatment for external contact should consist of irrigation with diluted potassium permanganate solution; in case of internal contact, administration of activated charcoal should follow gastric lavage.
OVERDOSAGE
Death by asphyxiation following the intake of large quantities of protoanemonine-forming plants has been observed in animal experiments.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Ground and as an extract. The drug extracts can be added to baths to treat hemorrhoids, warts and scratches.

Lore
Europe, western Asia; introduced into North America, Australasia Though the corms of Ranunculus bulbosus are also on record as cures for piles, in Cornwall47 and Antrim48 that has been pre-eminently the role in European folk medicine of the roots and axillary bulbils of lesser celandine, R. ficaria, a use recorded from many and widely separate parts of the British Isles. Extensions of this have been their application to small lumps in women’s breasts in the Highlands49 (for which purpose the roots were usually placed under the arms), to corns on Colonsay50 and to warts in Herefordshire.51 Less expected is the use of the petals (in Cumbria) 52 or the leaves (in Kent) 53 for cleaning teeth. In Norfolk an infusion of the flowers has even been used for treating sore eyes accompanying measles,54 possibly out of mistake for the greater celandine at some time in the past.
A herb with parts used for suggestively similar-looking afflictions has inevitably acquired a reputation as one of the classic examples of the Doctrine of Signatures. As in other cases, however, that may well be merely a posthoc rationalisation, for a decoction of the roots, applied with very hot compresses or as a mild ointment, has earned medical respect as an excellent remedy for haemorrhoids in its own right.[MPFT]

Cultivation
Prefers a moist loamy neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or shade[1, 238]. A very common and invasive weed[17, 90], especially when growing in the shade because this encourages formation of bulbils at the leaf bases[238]. You would regret introducing it into your garden, though it might have a place in the wild garden[90]. This is, however, a polymorphic species[90] and there are a number of named forms selected for their ornamental value[188]. These are normally less invasive than the type species. The plant flowers early in the year when there are few pollinating insects and so seed is not freely produced[4]. The plant, however, produced tubercles (small tubers) along the stems and each of these can grow into a new plant[4]. Grows well along woodland edges[24], and in the deeper shade of the woodland where it often forms dense carpets[4]. The flowers do not open in dull weather and even on sunny days do not open before about 9 o'clock in the morning and are closed by 5 o'clock in the evening[4]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. This species doesn't really need any help from us. Division in spring.

Syn:' Ficaria verna. F. ranunculoides.

References

• http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Ranunculus%20ficaria&redblue=Both&lifeform=7 [Accessed: 4/3/2015]
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ranunculus+ficaria, Accessed April 3, 2015

Ranunculus flammula - lesser spearwort

Ranunculus flammula is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is hardy to zone (UK) 5. It is in flower from May to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Flies, bees, self.The plant is self-fertile.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

All parts of the plant are poisonous when fresh, the toxins are destroyed by heat or by drying[4, 10, 19, 21, 65]. The plant also has a strongly acrid juice that can cause blistering to the skin[65, 183]. .

Medicinal Uses
The whole plant is strongly rubefacient[4]. A tincture of the plant is used to cure ulcers[4].

Cultivation
A plant of boggy soils and shallow water, it prefers a loamy soil and a sunny position. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

Propagation
Seed - sow spring in situ. This plant does not really need any encouragement. Division in spring. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

References

• http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Ranunculus%20flammula&redblue=Both&lifeform=7 [Accessed: 4/3/2015]
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ranunculus+flammula, Accessed April 3, 2015

Ranunculus gmelinii - small yellow water-buttercup

Ranunculus grayi - arctic buttercup

Ranunculus lobbii - Lobb's water-buttercup

Ranunculus macounii - Macoun's buttercup

Ranunculus occidentalis var occidentalis - western buttercup

Ranunculus occidentalis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from May to July. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

The juice from the flowers was used as a poison by native North American Indians[270]. Thse toxins are likely to be present in all parts of the plant and can be destroyed by heat or by drying[4, 10, 13, 19, 62, 65]. Many if not all plants in this genus also have a strongly acrid juice that can cause blistering to the skin[65, 183]. .

Edible Uses

Seed - cooked[257, 270]. Used as piñole either on its own or mixed with other seeds[257]. The seed must be parched in order to remove an acrid principle[105, 161].

Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moist loamy soil[1]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Syn: R. occidentalis eisenii. (Kellogg.)Gray.

References

• http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Ranunculus%20occidentalis&redblue=Both&lifeform=7 [Accessed: 4/3/2015]
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ranunculus+occidentalis, Accessed April 3, 2015

Ranunculus orthorhynchus - straight-beaked buttercup

Ranunculus pensylvanicus - Pennsylvania buttercup

Ranunculus pennsylvanicus is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from Jun to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Although no specific record of toxicity has been found for this plant, many if not all members of this genus are poisonous. These toxins can be destroyed by heat or by drying[4, 10, 13, 19, 62, 65]. Many if not all plants in this genus also have a strongly acrid juice that can cause blistering to the skin[65, 183].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked[179]. The leaves contain toxins but in too low a concentration to be harmful[179].

Other Uses
The entire plant can be boiled to yield a red dye[257]. It is mixed with the bark of bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) which acts to fix the colour[257]. The entire plant can be boiled with rushes (Juncus spp) or flags (Iris spp and Acorus calamus) to colour them yellow for use in making mats, baskets etc[257].

Medicinal Uses
The plant is rubefacient[240]. It is used to raise blisters[240]. Mrs. Spoon uses the entire plant of the Bristly Crowfoot for an astringent medicine, disease unstated. Among the whites239 the entire plant is used for its acrid, rubi-facient, counterirritant, and narcotic properties.[HuronSmith Zuni]

Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moist loamy soil[1]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

Syn: Ranunculus pensylvanicus

References

• http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Ranunculus%20pensylvanicus&redblue=Both&lifeform=7 [Accessed: 4/3/2015]
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ranunculus+pennsylvanicus, Accessed April 3, 2015

Ranunculus pygmaeus - pygmy buttercup

Ranunculus repens - creeping buttercup

Ranunculus repens is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. It is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

All parts of the plant are poisonous[19], the toxins being destroyed by heat or by drying[65]. The plant also has a strongly acrid juice that can cause blistering to the skin[65, 183].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked and used as a pot-herb[2, 105]. A famine food, used when all else fails, and I would rather give it a miss even then[K]! See the notes above on toxicity.

Root - must be dried beforehand and thoroughly cooked[118]. Personally, I would rather give this one a miss[K], see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses
The entire plant is analgesic and rubefacient[257]. A poultice of the chewed leaves has been used in the treatment of sores, muscular aches and rheumatic pains[257]. Some caution is advised in the use of this plant, see the notes above on toxicity.

Cultivation
Prefers a moist loamy soil on the heavy side. A rampantly spreading weed of grassland, few gardeners would want to introduce it to their land[K]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54]. Special Features:Attractive foliage, North American native, Invasive, Naturalizing, Wetlands plant, Extended bloom season in Zones 9A and above.

Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. A very common weed, it doesn't really need any help from us. Division in spring. Very easy, though probably totally unnecessary, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

References

• http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Ranunculus%20repens&redblue=Both&lifeform=7 [Accessed: 4/3/2015]
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ranunculus+repens, Accessed April 3, 2015

Ranunculus sardous - hairy buttercup

Ranunculus sceleratus - celery-leaved buttercup

Ranunculus uncinatus - little buttercup