365 Urban Species. #153: Creeping Buttercup
Photos by cottonmanifesto. Location: Ward's Pond, Olmsted Park, Boston.
Urban species #153: Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens
Buttercups are attractive, poisonous little weeds that brighten up yards and roadsides in the suburbs and cities, and spoil pastures and crops in the country. Livestock avoid them, leaving swaths of uneaten yellow flowers, and it is known to spread into cereal fields, becoming a serious pest. There are many different species, some native to North America and some to Europe. Some Eurasian species including this one, and lesser celandine (a buttercup despite the name) have been sold as ornamental plants, and have become invasive. Creeping buttercup is now found on all continents except Antarctica, as well as New Zealand.
