Description
Ranunculus flammula, known as lesser spearwort, is a UK native buttercup of wet places. It has narrow, spear-shaped leaves on red-tinged stems and, from June to September, shiny yellow buttercup flowers about 2 cm across.
Lesser spearwort at a glance
| Botanical name |
Ranunculus flammula |
| Common name |
Lesser spearwort |
| Plant type |
Creeping perennial; dies back in winter |
| Height and spread |
Often creeping; about 30–50 cm tall among other plants (RHS: up to 1 m), about 50 cm wide |
| Flowers |
Shiny yellow, buttercup-like, about 2 cm across, June to September |
| Position |
Full sun |
| Soil |
Permanently wet soil or shallow, still water; any pH |
| Pond depth |
Boggy soil or water up to about 20 cm deep |
| Hardiness |
RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C) |
| Native to |
UK and Ireland (native wild flower) |
Is lesser spearwort good for wildlife?
Yes. It is on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list and the RHS suggests it for wildlife gardens.
Where to plant it
- Boggy ground or a pond shelf up to about 20 cm deep
- Small wildlife ponds, as it is less vigorous than greater spearwort
- Still or slow-moving water in full sun
Is it poisonous?
Yes. It is harmful if eaten by people or pets, and the sap can irritate and blister skin, so wear gloves when handling it.
How to plant and care for it
Plant in spring. The creeping stems root where they touch wet ground, so trim them back if it spreads too far.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
