thewesternisles.co.uk

Western Isles Wildflowers

Western Isles wildflowers is a collection of information about our Hebridean wildflowers including identification hints, traditional herbal uses and general plant lore.

 

Creeping Buttercup

Ranaculus repens

Roots along the stem, rather like strawberry runners.
1 - 2 feet tall.

Creeping Buttercup is a member of the Ranunculae - the buttercup family .
Ranunculus is Latin for "little frog", members of this plant family also like wet habitats and are well represented here in the Western Isles!

Traditional Uses

All parts are poisonous. Heating or drying destroys toxins, but like the common buttercup it should be avoided.

In Glencoe daisies and buttercups were made into an ointment used to treat bruises and sores.

Herbal notes by Ela Springwater

Photographs © Suzanne Harris
Isle of Great Bernera - Outer Hebrides (Western Isles)
21st May, 2006