Mountain Buttercup (Ranunculus montanus)

Mountain Buttercup

Ranunculus montanus

Bright yellow blooms dot alpine slopes like scattered sunlight. Low-growing alpine perennial; common name: mountain buttercup.

Full sun
2–3/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; prefers cool, bright alpine light; protect from intense midday sun in low-altitude regions
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Watering Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
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Temperature Tolerates light frost; thrives in cool temperatures below 20°C; avoid prolonged heat above 25°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Basal leaves are kidney-shaped with shallow lobes; stem leaves are smaller and divided into narrow segments
  • Flower: Bright yellow, 5 glossy petals forming a cup-shaped bloom
  • Stem: Slender, hairy, upright to slightly trailing
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist; water when the top 1 cm of substrate dries out

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed once every 4 weeks. Use low-nitrogen feed to prioritize bloom production over foliage growth

Eggshell powder top-dress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to improve drainage and boost calcium levels; avoid direct contact with plant stems
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms promptly to encourage prolonged flowering
  • Trim back yellowing foliage after the flowering season to tidy clumps
  • Remove damaged or diseased stems in early spring to promote healthy new growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and oral pain

Humans: Contains ranunculin, which breaks down to protoanemonin; ingestion causes oral irritation, nausea, or skin redness on contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental alpine garden plant; suitable for rockeries and container troughs