About Ranunculus arvensis L.
Taxonomic Identification
Ranunculus arvensis L., commonly known as corn buttercup or field buttercup, is a plant species belonging to the family Ranunculaceae.
Global Distribution
It is native to Europe, and has been introduced to other continents including North America and Australia, where it sometimes occurs as a weed.
Status in Britain
In Britain, it was formerly a common annual weed of arable land, but is now rare there.
Habitat Preferences
It grows most often in moist locations, such as spring puddles in meadows.
Etymology of Common Names
Many local common names for this species reference the spines on its seed heads, or the achenes on its mature fruit.
