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The Creeping Buttercup makes great mats of foliage wherever it gets a foothold. If the sun reaches it then the flowers are marvellous, but in the shade it only produces mats of rather dull leaves. When I moved here R. repens was uncommon in the garden, hanging on on the gravel edges of the drive and occasionally growing on the stone hedges. As I cut the grass into paths it has slowly spread more widely. Naturescape say: "Creeping buttercup is often considered an invasive weed to most gardeners, however it came be an attractive plant for wildlife as it provides a good source of nectar and pollen for flies, honey bees, and beetles, amongst other insects. Growing at pretty much ground level at 2-3 inches, Ranunculus repens enjoys wet conditions, wet soil and poorly-drained soils. In heavy soil lawns, it can spread quickly, accelerated by mown grass. This poisonous perennial weed, is admired for its simplistic yellow flowers. Grazing animals avoid eating creeping buttercup as the taste is acrid and unpleasant. If it is growing in a hay field, once it is dried with the hay it loses its poisons and is safe for animal consumption. |
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| 8th June 2006 | ||
