Species library · Plants & herbs

Meadow Buttercup: poisonous

Ranunculus acris

☠ Poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Meadow Buttercup is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. When in doubt, have a find identified by an expert.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from May to August in the northern hemisphere. Found in Grassland, Wetland.

☠ Poisonous
Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris)

Photo: (c) Daniel Cahen, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Daniel Cahen · iNaturalist

When Meadow Buttercup appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Meadow Buttercup is usually found in Grassland, Wetland.

Look up Meadow Buttercup in the app

In the Forage app, Meadow Buttercup has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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Meadow Buttercup: common questions

Is Meadow Buttercup poisonous?

Yes. Meadow Buttercup is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Meadow Buttercup appear?

Meadow Buttercup usually appears from May to August in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Meadow Buttercup grow?

Meadow Buttercup is usually found in Grassland, Wetland.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits