Ranunculus acris
Meadow Buttercup · Tall Buttercup · Common Buttercup
About the plant
What it is and where it grows — not part of any germination protocol.
Safety
- Toxicity
- Poisonous to cattle, goats, horses. All parts. Protoanemonin. Stated for Ranunculus spp.Plants Poisonous to Livestock
- Toxicity
- Medium severity. Leaves, Roots, Sap/Juice, Stems. Ranunculin.Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
The plant
- Habit
- Perennial, Forb/herb
- Native range
- Greenland, lower 48 states
Toxicity is noted only where a source states it. No note here is not a finding of safety.
Sources: PLANTS Database — USDA NRCS; Plants Poisonous to Livestock — Cornell University Department of Animal Science; Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — NC State Extension.
This source reports 4 treatments. All are shown.
Protocol 1
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Difficulty Low
Start around October 4, 2026 for a May 3 last frost.
Warm moist stratification
Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C
Deno gives no length for this period; three months is his standard cycle.
Cold moist stratification
Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C
3% here. Deno gives no length for this period; three months is his standard cycle.
Warm moist stratification
Temperature: 70°F 21°C
93%, in 2-3 days.
about 6 months from start to sowing. Then 3 days to germinate.
93% germination in 2–3 days.
Almost everything, two or three days after the second move to 70.
This source doesn't state how long.
Protocol 2
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Difficulty Low
Start around July 7, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on July 6, 2026.
Dry storage
Duration: 180 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C
Deno got the same from six months at 40.
Cold moist stratification
Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C
21% germinated at 40 itself. Deno gives no length for this period; three months is his standard cycle.
Warm moist stratification
Temperature: 70°F 21°C
67%, in 2-3 days.
about 9 months from start to sowing. Then 3 days to germinate.
67% germination in 2–3 days.
Six months dry at 70 or 40 -- either. 21% comes up cold, then 67% on the move.
This source doesn't state how long.
Protocol 3
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Difficulty Moderate
Start around September 17, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on September 16, 2026.
Dry storage
Duration: 180 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C
Sow and cover
Temperature: 70°F 21°C
Germination spread over five cycles.
about 6 months from start to sowing. Germination time not stated; 21 days assumed.
65% germination.
Sown straight at 70 it dribbles out over five cycles, 65-90% in all.
Protocol 4
DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993Difficulty Moderate
Start around March 21, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on March 20, 2026.
Cold moist stratification
Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C
Deno gives no length for this period; three months is his standard cycle.
Warm moist stratification
Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C
41% here. Deno gives no length for this period; three months is his standard cycle.
Cold moist stratification
Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C
A further 3%. Deno gives no length for this period; three months is his standard cycle.
Warm moist stratification
Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C
48% -- the largest flush. Deno gives no length for this period; three months is his standard cycle.
Cold moist stratification
Duration: 90 daysTemperature: 40°F 4°C
Deno gives no length for this period; three months is his standard cycle.
Warm moist stratification
Temperature: 70°F 21°C
A last 6%.
Steps after step 4 run on after germination.
about 12 months from start to sowing. Germination time not stated; 21 days assumed.
48% germination.
41, 3, 48 and 6 per cent across five cycles -- most of the packet, slowly.
This source doesn't state how long.