Gmelin's Buttercup

Ranunculus gmelinii

Native to:
Canada, China, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Laos, Prince Edward I., Russia, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Genus:
Ranunculus
Species:
Ranunculus gmelinii
USDA Symbol:
RAGM

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Geophyte
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
waterfowl, small mammals

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, nutrient-rich, loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Commonly found in wet meadows and marshes

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days; sow in moist soil and keep cool.

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI