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Meadow buttercup

Taxonomic information

Common Name: Meadow Buttercup

Latin Name: Ranunculus acris

Family: Ranunculaceae

Description

Meadow buttercup is one of the many plants which together make up the species-rich upland hay meadow. Much of this type of meadow has been lost due to changes in agricultural practice. Meadows which are managed in a more traditional way can contain up to 30 species of plant per metre. Good examples of species-rich upland hay meadows can be found in the north of the Yorkshire Dales National Park including in Wensleydale, upper Swaledale and through the Hay Time project.

This common yellow flower is widespread in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It can be found at any altitude in woodland, meadow or pasture habitats. It can also grow alongside bulbous buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus) and creeping buttercup (R. repens). However, it is the meadow buttercup that is mainly responsible for the golden colour of the Dales meadows prior to the grass being cut for animal fodder.