Water Plantain Buttercup: The 111th Flower of Spring & Summer!

Who knew there were so many kinds of Buttercups? I always thought there was just one! It turns out there are at least FOUR species on our property! Each grows in a different range or area, they grow at different times of the year, and they also have different sizes. I just never thought about it until I began this flower project...what an education!

This is a Water Plantain Buttercup, which is found in the Pacific Northwest up to Canada, down to California, and east to Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. As its name suggests, these bright and cheery blossoms are found in wet locations. On our property, I discovered them where our seasonal pond overflows its banks and makes a sort of bog between the pond and the main road.

There are over 600 species of buttercups worldwide, and most of them are poisonous, but the toxins are reduced as the plant dies and becomes dry. It can cause dermatitus with handling, which I've discovered is the case with many flowers. Some species of this plant have been used to treat warts and a tincture is used to treat shingles, sciatica and other maladies. Yet, it's known to cause blisters, ulcers, and burning in the mouth and mucus membranes with many warnings about not using it as a medicine! Handle with care, I bet...but I think I'll just admire the flowers, thank you! :)

If you would like to know more about Buttercups, Wiki has a page here: Wiki: Buttercup (Ranunculus)