Fearbán Féir
Latin name: Ranunculus acris
The meadow buttercup is also known as the tall buttercup, because of its long stalks. It is perennial and flowers from May to September. In all, there are at least thirty-six different varieties of buttercups.
Latin name: Ranunculus acris
The meadow buttercup is also known as the tall buttercup, because of its long stalks. It is perennial and flowers from May to September. In all, there are at least thirty-six different varieties of buttercups.
Small green sepals protect the buttercup flower
Small green sepals protect the buttercup flower
Small green sepals protect the buttercup flower
This pretty flower has five glossy, deep yellow petals. If you look immediately beneath these petals, you will also see five green sepals.
Sepals are individual leaves that turn yellow as the flower develops. They help to protect the bud, which develops into a small dried fruit called an anchene after pollination. At this stage, the petals fall away. Along the stalk of the buttercup grow triangular shaped leaves that can be very hairy.
The meadow buttercup is very common, growing on roadsides, ditches, fields and can very quickly spread through lawns. Some people see it as a weed because it can spreads through the garden so quickly in the garden, but it’s difficult not to welcome the sight of this bright, happy flower.
Do you know why the buttercup is so named? At the base of the petals are tiny cup-shaped scales. It is here that the insects will find the sweet nectar, a treat for helping to pollinate the flower! This tiny cup of nectar gives the buttercup its name.
Some people say that if you hold a buttercup under someone’s chin and it reflects a yellow colour, it’s a sign that they like butter!