Ranunculus acris - Meadow Buttercup - (Ranunculaceae)

One of the best known of wild flowers, the buttercup is found in meadows throughout the UK, Ireland and much of northern Europe. Some buttercup species bloom mainly in March and April; however, many others continue flowering right through summer and into autumn.

Meaddow Buttercup

There are, in fact, many other buttercup species. Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) is often found in lawns and gardens, while the bulbous buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus) is another meadowland species. In folklore it was thought that the rich yellow of the buttercup provided better butter from cows grazing in buttercup-rich meadows. Children today still play the game of finding out if another person likes butter by placing a Buttercup flower under their chin - if the golden yellow is reflected on the skin the answer is 'Yes!'

Closeup of Buttercup flower

Few cannot be moved by the sight of a beautiful buttercup meadow in early summer when they are at their very best.

The pictures on this page were taken in West Wales in May.