Ranunculus aquatilis
common water-crowfoot
Europe, northwest Africa, western Asia
Overview
Ranunculus aquatilis is an aquatic perennial, sometimes behaving as an annual, that grows in still and slow-moving fresh water across temperate regions. It produces two distinct leaf forms: thread-like submerged leaves divided into capillary segments that fan out in the current, and rounded, lobed floating leaves up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide that rest on the surface. The trailing stems can reach 3-6.5 feet (1-2 m) long, rooting in mud and forming loose mats. From late spring into summer it raises white five-petaled flowers 0.4-0.8 inch (10-20 mm) across just above the water, each with a yellow center. The flowers give way to clusters of small dry single-seeded fruits. Plants grow in water 4-24 inches (10-60 cm) deep and can spread rapidly to cover a pond surface, reducing open water and shading out submerged plants beneath, a limitation in small or ornamental ponds. In flowing water the submerged foliage streams downstream, while in still water the floating leaves dominate. The plant dies back in winter and regrows from rooted stem fragments and seed.
Native Range
Ranunculus aquatilis is native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia, growing in ponds, ditches, canals, and slow streams. It also occurs in parts of North America, where its status as native or introduced varies by region.Suggested Uses
Grown in wildlife ponds and slow streams for surface cover and early summer flowers. The submerged foliage oxygenates the water and shelters tadpoles, insect larvae, and small fish. It suits naturalistic and conservation plantings rather than formal pools.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'6"
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with yellow centerFoliage Description
Bright to dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in still or slowly flowing fresh water 4-24 inches (10-60 cm) deep over a silty or muddy bed. It establishes in wildlife ponds, large containers, and slow streams and tolerates a wide pH range. Plants are hardy to USDA zone 5 and overwinter as rooted stems and seed on the pond floor. Growth can be rapid in nutrient-rich water, where the plant may need thinning to keep open water. It declines in shaded or stagnant, low-oxygen conditions. Few pests trouble it, though blanketweed can smother the foliage.Pruning
Excess growth is raked or pulled out through summer to keep areas of open water. Removed material is left at the pond edge for a day so aquatic animals can return to the water. No cutting back is needed in winter, when the plant dies down on its own.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons