Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens)

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General Information: The Creeping Buttercup is a low growing perennial weed which prefers wet heavy soils. It is a common weed in lawns in the UK. Creeping Buttercups spread with vigorous creeping stems that run along the ground rooting at intervals with a very fibrous rooting system. Buttercups can be an indication that there is a drainage problem with your lawn.

Leaf: Creeping Buttercup leaves are divided into three lobes that are toothed and their surface can be both smooth or hairy.

Flower: The yellow flowers have 6 to 9 petals each, measure 2-3cm in diameter, are bourne on erect stalks are can be seen between April and August.

Preferred Habitat: Buttercups generally prefer wet, heavy soils that have poor drainage and can withstand long spells of water logging.

Control: If there are only a few plants, hand weeding is the preferred method of control, however take care to remove all of the root. A close mowing program will help remove any flowers which in turn will prevent this weed spreading.

If however they have spread into larger patches, chemical control will be necessary using a selective weed killer containing fluroxypyr & mecoprop-p or clopyralid, fluroxypyr & MCPA. A single application is usually enough for a complete kill, however repeat 6 weeks later if necessary. Our weed control section has advice and tips on all aspects of weed killer application. Once the weed has been removed or controlled the bare area can be filled with a mixture of suitable soil and grass seed to aid recovery.

Recommended selective weed killers for Creeping Buttercup.

Verdone Extra (fluroxypyr, clopyralid & MCPA).
Westland lawn weed killer (2,4-D, mecoprop-p & dichlorprop-p).
Westland lawn feed, weed & moss killer (2,4-D & mecoprop-p) includes a fertiliser.
Westland Resolva lawn weed killer (MCPA, mecoprop-p & dicamba).
Vitax green up lawn weed & feed + moss killer (2,4-D & mecoprop-p) includes a fertiliser.
Vitax lawn clear (fluroxypyr & mecoprop-p)
Doff lawn spot weeder (2,4-D, mecoprop-p& dichlorprop-p).

Always read the product label and follow the manufacturers application and H&S guidelines when applying selective weed killers.

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