Cursed Buttercup Seeds

Cursed Buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus) may have a villainous name, but this scrappy little native has a lot to offer the wet, overlooked corners of your landscape. Also known as celery-leaved buttercup, it forms bushy clumps of glossy, deeply lobed leaves on thick, hollow stems, topped from late spring into summer with dozens of tiny, buttery yellow blooms. As each flower fades, its center swells into a distinctive green cone packed with seeds, giving the plant a quirky, textural look all season long.

This native annual thrives where most plants struggle: muddy pond edges, ditches, rain gardens, and seasonally flooded ground in full sun. It's a natural fit for wetland restoration and naturalized plantings, where its small flowers draw in native bees and flies and its abundant seeds feed waterfowl and other wildlife. Cursed Buttercup self-sows readily in moist soil, so give it room to roam or plant it where a little spontaneity is welcome.

That ominous common name is well earned. The species name sceleratus means "wicked," a nod to its acrid sap, which is among the most potent of any buttercup. All parts of the plant are toxic if eaten and the sap can irritate or blister skin, so wear gloves when handling and site it away from areas frequented by pets, livestock, and small children. A plus: deer and other critters will avoid it too!