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Bur buttercup plant11/18/2023 ![]() The combination of early growing plants and high seed production can lead to large, dense patches of Bur buttercup that become difficult to manage. The seeds remain viable for at least a few years: some sources suggest as many as twenty. As the seeds mature, the burs dry into a tough protective package that floats in water, blows in the wind, and irritates tender feet. Each flower develops into a swollen “bur”, complete with prickles, and containing anywhere from five to eighty seeds. This goes largely unnoticed, as the plants grow only up to about five inches tall, and are easily hidden within grass or other plants. Seed development begins within days of flowering. The plant begins flowering within three weeks of emerging from the soil- much more quickly than most familiar ornamental plants. Bur buttercup starts actively growing as soon as temperatures reach the 40’s and 50’s. Insights into these same features- life cycle, growth habits, and reproductive strategies- are also key to its management. The life cycle, growth habits, and reproductive strategies of this introduced plant have enabled it to invade the US northwest. ![]() Research shows, however, that prickly seed heads are just one of the ways this plant can be frustrating. The “burs” that give this flower its common name are often what drive inquiries to the Extension office about this plant. Its populations can quickly become so large that eradication is difficult, if not impossible. Its range is spreading rapidly in arid and semiarid areas. When dried out, it poses a serious fire risk to communities and the environment. If the plants are near a roadside, the seeds can be spread far and wide by the tires of cars and bicycles. When crushed and eaten, it is highly toxic to animals, including horses. It can produce two seed crops in one year. It uses water that would otherwise be available to native species. It spreads rapidly, reducing plant diversity and wildlife habitat. It germinates early, prefers high moisture and cool temperatures and can be seen as early as February and into April or May in this environment. Bur buttercup (Ranunculus testiculatus) has been widespread this spring and in some cases dense populations have been observed. One weed we have seen a lot more of in this area is bur buttercup. The frequent rains/snow this winter and spring has resulted in changes in the weed spectrum. However, this winter and so far, this spring high pressure has not dominated and we have been continually bombarded by cold fronts. In most years, high pressure usually moves in periodically sending Pacific cold fronts farther north and giving us periods of warm dry weather. IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.The weather patterns this year in the Intermountain Region of Northern Nevada has been different from what we have seen the previous 4 years. Maintaining a healthy planting or turf area to provide competition will prevent weed establishment.Select non-chemical management options as your first choice! Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management. HabitatĬreeping buttercup is commonly found in moist areas such as meadows and along ditch banks, but it can also become a problem in lawns. SPECIAL INFORMATION: The sap of creeping buttercup can irritate the skin and mucous membranes. Tall buttercup normally does not root at the nodes. The lower leaves are divided into 3 to 5 deeply cut segments, while upper leaves are reduced to narrow straplike segments. acris) is similar to creeping buttercup, but often reaches heights of 3 feet. Each seed is about 1/8 inch long and has a short, backward-curving beak. Seeds are borne in dense, bur-like clusters at the ends of stems. The flowers have five (sometimes up to ten) glossy yellow petals and a cluster of yellow stamens in the center. Flowers are borne on erect stems above the foliage. Leaves are typically dark green but may have lighter spots. The leaf blade is divided or deeply lobed into three broadly toothed segments. Leaves are also hairy, with long petioles. The stems are hairy and root at the nodes when they contact the soil. Creeping buttercup is a creeping perennial plant that is usually fairly low-growing.
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