![]() To prevent or inhibit buttercup germination in the fall, manage grass pastures to retain residual heights of three or four inches. In these cases, clover stands are likely not that thick or need rejuvenating. However, buttercup is able to germinate and grow because of insufficient ground cover of desirable forage species. Consult the herbicide label for further information on grazing restrictions, precautions or other possible limitations.Īpplying broadleaf herbicides like 2,4-D will damage clover. For best herbicide activity, wait until daytime air temperatures are greater than 50o F for two or three consecutive days. For optimum results, apply herbicide in the early spring (February-March) before flowers are observed and when buttercup plants are still small and actively growing. Herbicides registered for use on grass pastures will effectively control buttercup, including those that include 2,4-D. Mowing fields or clipping plants close to the ground in the early spring before buttercup plants can produce flowers may help reduce the amount of new seed produced, but mowing alone will not totally eliminate seed production. Therefore, pasture management that maintains thick stands and promotes growth of more desirable plants during these months is one of the best methods to help compete against the emergence and growth of this plant. Most buttercup plants emerge from seed during the fall or late winter months. If other forage is available, grazing horses will usually avoid buttercup because the leaves, flowers and stems have a sharp, acrid taste. ![]() A review of University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory records over the last 13 years found no cases of horse deaths attributable to buttercup ingestion. Death of horses due to buttercup is rare. Less is known about whether ensiling, or conversion into silage, has a similar detoxification effect. The blistering agent is detoxified rapidly by drying, and thus it is not generally a problem in hay. Grazing or mowing will release a powerful vesicant, or blistering agent, which causes blistering of the skin, mouth and digestive system on contact. This is one reason buttercups can survive year to year.īuttercups are more than an unsightly weed. Waiting until after flowers appear can be too late to implement control tactics. New seeds are produced during the time petals are showy. ![]() Each of these species have somewhat similar flower heads but differ in their leaf characteristics. Buttercups are sometimes classified as short-lived perennials, but often grow as winter annuals.įour species of buttercups can be found in Kentucky: bulbous buttercup ( Ranunculus bulbosus), creeping buttercup ( Ranunculus repens), tall buttercup ( Ranunculus acris) and small flower buttercup ( Ranunculus arbortivus). Buttercup is the common name for a group of species from the genus Ranunculus. Refer to the product label for precautions.Kentucky pastures have exploded with the signature yellow buttercup flower. Roots can absorb the product possibly causing plant damage. *Do not spray herbicides containing dicamba over the root zone of trees and shrubs. Look for a product with one or more of the following active ingredients: 2, 4-D, MCPP (mecoprop), Dicamba* or Triclopyr. If you choose this option, spot treat the weeds with a liquid, selective, postemergent, broadleaf weed killer applied when it is actively growing in the spring. Manage Weeds Without Chemicals Chemical treatment in lawns Hand pulling when the soil is moist makes the task easier. Hand pulling using an appropriate weeding tool that digs deep into the soil so that all of the bulbs are removed is the best way to control this weed. This is a viable option at the beginning of an infestation and on young weeds. Maintain healthy, dense turf that can compete and prevent weed establishment. Bulbous roots (corms) Conditions that favor growth ![]() Reproductionīy seed but corms can overwinter. Tall and creeping buttercup are also seen but less common. Flowers are bright yellow with 5-7 shiny petals arising from erect, somewhat hairy stems. Growth habitįorms a basal rosette of 3-lobed leaves, arising from a corm. Bulbous buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus) is a non-native perennial plant that blooms in spring to early summer.
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