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Tall Buttercup

(Ranunculus acris)

Tall Buttercup (Ranunculus acris)
2A, common in isolated areas of Montana

Quick ID

  • bluish-green leaves with cream-colored midvein
  • bright yellow flowers
  • pear-shaped seed pods that turn deep purple to black upon maturity
  • can be more than 3’ tall
Tall Buttercup plant flowers
Tall Buttercup Plant

Video Information


Weed Images

Tall Buttercup Stem
Tall buttercup Leaf
Tall Buttercup Seed
Tall Buttercup flower - 5 yellow leaves with green center
Tall Buttercup plant
Field of tall green stems with yellow flowers

Weed Specifications

Weed Info
Type Information
Toxicity Non-toxic, but is unpalatable to livestock and reduces forage
Best Management Practices Hand pulling and digging, making sure to remove at least 3”-4” of the root, along with proper seed removal and disposal, and herbicide treatments *See management plan below
Habitat Establishes on disturbed sites, such as roadsides, railroads, and gravel pits
Root Taproot can exceed 5’ in depth, along with lateral roots
Leaves Rubbery, like cabbage, and clasp the stem
Lifespan Usually biennial, but sometimes annual or perennial
Similar Looking Plants Other mustards
Important Information Plants can grow 4” in one week, prolific seed producer, $50 bounty for infestations found more than a half mile from known populations

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