Pond water-crowfoot
Ranunculus peltatus · Ranunculaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant pond water-crowfoot: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Ranunculus peltatus
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Type
- Perennial aquatic plant
- Flowering
- May to July
- Flowers
- White or slightly pink, 1-2 cm in diameter
- Foliage
- Semi-aquatic, floating and submerged leaves
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (temperate and cold zones)
- Origin
- Western and central Europe
Care
Planting and aquatic environment
The shield buttercup grows in shallow areas of ponds or watercourses (5 to 30 cm deep). Install it in muddy or sandy substrate at the bottom of the water body. It tolerates weak currents and appreciates clear water without prolonged stagnation.
Light exposure
This plant prefers a sunny to semi-shaded location for optimal flowering. It accepts shaded areas but will flower less abundantly. Avoid permanently dense shaded zones.
Substrate and water quality
Favour a muddy bottom, rich in organic matter, slightly silty. The water should remain cool, slightly acidic to neutral. Limit excess nutrient inputs that would promote algae growth.
Maintenance and regulation
Remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain water clarity. Limit the plant's expansion by removing excess stems if it becomes too invasive. Annual cleaning after flowering is sufficient.
Nutrition
No fertilizer is generally necessary; the organic matter in the substrate and water nutrients are enough. In highly purified ponds, a light spring application may be beneficial.
Pests and prevention
The shield buttercup is not very susceptible to disease. Watch for filamentous algae that could smother it. Good biological balance in the pond and oxygenated water prevent most problems.
Did you know?
The shield buttercup owes its name 'peltata' to the characteristic shield-shaped form of its floating leaves (peltae). Historically, aquatic buttercups have fascinated botanists because they produce two distinct types of foliage depending on whether they are submerged or floating—a remarkable adaptation to variable conditions that makes it a species of great ecological interest in European wetlands.
Where to buy it
Best planted in spring or autumn, away from frost and heatwaves. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September, October.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.