Ranunculus repens, Creeping Buttercup

Common Name: Creeping Buttercup

Ranunculus repens, more commonly known as Creeping Buttercup, is a low-growing perennial with creeping stolons (runners) which is found in rural and urban areas, such as pastures, farmlands, natural wetlands, city gardens and lawns. Stems reach around 30cm in height. Leaves are dark-ish green with pale patches, divided into 3 toothed leaflets. Both leaves and stems are somewhat hairy.

During May to September, it produces bright yellow, glossy flowers with usually 5 (but can be up to 7) petals. Reproduces by seed and vegetatively via long, branching stolons (runners) that root at the nodes. This is Britain's only stoloniferous buttercup, and the very obvious feature of rooting runners is all you really need to see in order to separate it from other common buttercup species such as the Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris).

https://www.uknature.co.uk is a website dedicated to showing the immense diversity of UK nature and wildlife. Our vast range of habitats, from lowland arable to snow covered mountains, from storm-ravaged coastlines to peaceful inland freshwater lakes and rivers, from dry, sandy heaths to deciduous and coniferous forests, all these habitats contribute to the abundance of UK nature. We have wild birds in huge numbers either residing or visiting our shores (597 recorded species as at July 2013) and we must also not forget the humble back garden with its grass lawns, flower beds filled with nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees, all designed to attract huge numbers of insects such as bees, moths, butterflies and hoverflies; and finally the small ponds which provide safe havens for frogs, toads, newts and even slow worms and grass snakes. www.uknature.co.uk is the showcase for my personal passion, photographing uknature in all its glory. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the fruits of my labours.