Wild Wednesday – Celery-leaved buttercup
You will find these small, yellow flowers in grassland, freshwater, farmland, by the coastal, on wetlands, ditches and at the edges of ponds (clinging on even if the pond has dried out).
It flowers from May to September and is widespread across the UK. They grow up to half a metre high. The leaves are mainly hairless and have small blades each deeply lobed or divided into three smaller leaves. The flowers have five or fewer golden-yellow petals.
Despite its beautiful appearance, the celery-leaved buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus) is considered an invasive weed in many areas. It grows quickly, spreading densely, which can displace other vegetation and impact the ecological balance of an area.
Celery Buttercup may look pretty but it is toxic to both stock and humans and can cause death if consumed in quantity. When the leaves are wrinkled, damaged, or crushed, if touched they can bring out unsightly sores and blisters on human skin.
The name 'buttercup' is referring to its yellow flowers, it went by many other names before the 18th century, including 'Goldweed', 'Soldier buttons', 'Kingcup' and 'Crowpeckle.'
Read more here: Celery-leaved buttercup | The Wildlife Trusts
Photo credit to Kris Anderson