Skip to main content

Ranunculus reptans

L.

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Nadezhda Shimalina, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Nadezhda Shimalina

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Владимир Бурый, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Владимир Бурый

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Babette Köhler, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Babette Köhler

Ranunculus reptans is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. Its native range is Subarctic and Temperate Northern Hemisphere.

Description

A fast-growing perennial reaching 0.2 m (8 in) tall and spreading to 1 m (3 ft 3 in). Frost-hardy with hermaphrodite flowers appearing June to August, pollinated by bees, flies, and beetles. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acidic to basic pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist to wet soil.

Edible Uses

The roots are edible when cooked. They were traditionally baked and then dipped in oil before eating.

Traditional Uses

The roots are cooked on hot rocks and dipped in whale oil or seal oil and eaten with dried salmon eggs.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Known Hazards

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

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Mongolia, North America, USA,

Cultivation

Prefers a moist loamy soil on the heavy side. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in a cold frame. Prick seedlings out into individual pots once large enough to handle, and plant out during summer. Division in spring is also straightforward; larger divisions can be planted directly into their permanent positions.

Other Uses

None known.

References (2)

  • Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 469
  • Urgamal, M., Oyuntsetseg, B., Nyambayar, D. & Dulamsuren, Ch. 2014. Conspectus of the vascular plants of Mongolia. (Editors: Sanchir, Ch. & Jamsran, Ts.). Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. “Admon“ Press. 334pp. (p. 79-90).

More from Ranunculaceae