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Pest SolutionsPESTS + WEEDSUSING PESTICIDES OR HERBICIDES?
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Creeping Buttercup
Ranunculus repens
Updated Oct 26, 2024
Make a Positive Identification
- Creeping buttercup is a perennial (lives many years), herbaceous (soft leaves and stems) plant with yellow flowers.
- It is a widespread weed in the Pacific Northwest, especially west of the Cascade Mountains.
- Its stems grow 1–2 feet tall, as shown in the photo above.
- It also spreads across the ground with creeping stems that take root.
- Creeping buttercup forms dense stands. It crowds out other herbaceous plants.
- It grows in a wide range of habitats, including marshes, roadsides, fields, gardens, lawns, and neglected areas. It prefers wet soil.
- All parts of the plant are poisonous and can make livestock ill or die. Livestock avoid eating it, but will consume it if there isn’t enough other forage available.
Creeping Buttercup
Species: Creeping buttercup
iStock
Creeping buttercup’s leaves have three segments. Each leaflet is deeply lobed and toothed. Leaves are dark-green and hairy. The leaves sometimes have pale spots.
Species: Creeping buttercup
Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
Creeping buttercup’s shiny yellow flowers are 1 inch across. They have 5–7 petals that are about ½-inch long. There are 5 green floral leaves (sepals) below each flower. Each flower forms on a single stem.
Species: Creeping buttercup
Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
Creeping buttercup spreads by tough stems that grow across the ground and take root.
LOOK-ALIKE: LESSER CELANDINE
Species: Lesser Celandine
"Lesser celandine (Ficaria verna aka Ranunculus ficaria)" by Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) is another invasive buttercup species with shiny yellow flowers. It forms dense patches that are visible in later winter and spring. Above ground, the stems die back and are not visible during the summer and fall. Below ground, lesser celandine forms tubers.
Take action
Lesser celandine is an invasive weed. Take action to control it.
Creeping Buttercup Benefits
- Creeping buttercup is an invasive weed. It doesn’t have any benefits for people and the environment.
Creeping Buttercup Risks
- If left unmanaged, creeping buttercup forms a dense mat of stems and leaves that smothers other plants.
- It has little food value to native animals and insects.
- Creeping buttercup reduces the habitat value of an area by excluding native plants.
Risk Card
Does it cause harm?
Adults & Children
High
Toxic if ingested, can cause skin irritation.
Property
High
Spreads quicly
Pets
High
Toxic if ingested, can cause skin irritation.
Annoyance
High
Difficult to control
Environment
High
Dominates areas where it is allowed to establish
Action Highly Recommended
Take action to control this invasive weed
Take Action
If you have creeping buttercup property you manage, take action to control it in areas you can't tolerate it. Creeping buttercup is widely established.
Do I need to take action?
- Yes. Remove individual plants and small patches where you don’t want it growing. Established patches require several years to control.
- Creeping buttercup is already well established. It spreads easily by seed and/or vegetative pieces. It is widely adapted and distributed across North America.
- It is currently sold by nurseries and online. Don’t buy this invasive species or plant it in your landscape.
What if I do nothing?
Creeping buttercup patches will keep spreading and become more difficult to control.
Prevent Creeping Buttercup
Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
Watch for Creeping Buttercup Seedlings and Regrowth
- Return to the site after control activities and look for regrowth. Creeping buttercup regrows from cut stems, stem fragments, and roots. Take action as needed.
- Look for creeping buttercup seedlings and rosettes (shown in photo).
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Remove Dirt from Shoes and Equipment
- After working or traveling in a patch of creeping buttercup, clean your boots and tools. Use a wire brush to remove soil and seeds.
- If you drive into the creeping buttercup stand, clean your vehicle.
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Install New Plants
- Take care of your plants to get them established and suppress creeping buttercup regrowth.
- Replanting stabilizes the soil surface, shades creeping buttercup seedlings, and creates habitat.
- A creeping buttercup infestation and removal activities may significantly damage a site. There may be few or no remaining desirable plants.
- Plan for at least 2-3 years of monitoring and maintenance.
- Your local Extension specialist, soil and water conservation district, or a professional revegetation specialist can suggest strategies for your area.
Solutions for Creeping Buttercup
Early Detection and Rapid Response
Watch for creeping buttercup on property you manage. Remove it before it becomes a bigger problem.
Physical Removal of Plants and Non-Chemical Options
- Dig out plants and sift the soil for roots and stem fragments.
- Creeping buttercup will regrow from broken stem and root fragments. Dispose of the stems and roots in the green waste stream.
Herbicides (Weed Killers)
Herbicides effectively control creeping buttercup when used according to the label instructions.
Monitoring and Follow-up
- Following removal, return to the area every several months. Look for regrowth and seedlings. Take action as needed. Established plants require several years of follow-up control actions.
- After you remove creeping buttercup, new plants will grow in the same spot unless you take steps to prevent them.
NEED HELP?
Consider a licensed pest control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon and other states can suggest other methods.
Jump to
| Method | Does it work? | Is it safe? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
A Physically Remove Plants |
Very effective |
Low risk |
Recommended |
B Control with Herbicides |
Effective |
Moderate risk |
Use if Necessary |
|
C If Using Herbicides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
|
A
Physically Remove Plants
Non-Chemical Method
Ohio State Weed Lab, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org
Physically Remove Plants
Recommended
Dig out plants. Sift soil and remove stem and root fragments as shown in the photo.
| Does it work? | Very effective
|
| How much effort? | High effort
|
| What's the risk? | Low risk |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | NONE |
Tips for Removing Creeping Buttercup
- Creeping buttercup is shallow-rooted, so it can be dug up with hand tools.
- Be careful to remove all root and stem fragments.
- It is easiest to remove creeping buttercup plants during fall through spring when the soil is moist.
Soil Disturbance and Erosion
- Minimize soil disturbance as much as possible when removing creeping buttercup.
- Regrade the soil after digging roots. Apply mulch (when appropriate).
- Take steps to prevent erosion as needed.
- Replant the area to shade creeping buttercup seedlings.
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
B
Control with Herbicides
Chemical Method: Use with caution
iStock
Control with Herbicides
Use if Necessary
| Does it work? | Effective
|
| How much effort? | Moderate effort
|
| What's the risk? | Moderate risk
|
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | El uso de herbicidas conlleva cierto grado de riesgo. El riesgo más bajo se presenta con el uso de métodos alternativos. You may be exposed to an herbicide if you:
Follow directions closely to reduce risk. |
Some herbicides are available for home use. A few are listed below. These active ingredients, used individually or in a mixture, are suggested chemical treatments to control creeping buttercup. Look for these chemical names in the “Active Ingredients” section of product labels.
- Dicamba
- 2,4-D
- Sulfentrazone
- Quinclorac
- Iron HEDTA-FEHEDTA
Suggested active ingredients are from the Pesticide Information Center Online (PICOL) Database. They are permitted for HOME use in Oregon. Read the label for application directions and effectiveness information.
ONLY professional pesticide applicators can use Restricted-Use Pesticides (RUP) that may be more effective. If you need further support, contact a licensed pesticide applicator.
Herbicide Application Tips
- These ingredients will damage most plants and grasses. Don”t let the spray contact plants you want to keep.
- Apply herbicide to creeping buttercup when it is actively growing from spring through fall.
- Herbicide treatments are less effective if the plants are stressed due to lack of water.
- Expect that creeping buttercup will regrow after treatment with herbicides. Look for regrowth and re-treat as needed.
- Using herbicides comes with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Review instructions even for brands you know.
Minimize the potential impact of herbicides to bees and other pollinators. Treat creeping buttercup plants before they flower. If plants are flowering when you need to treat them, apply in the morning or evening when bees are less active. Avoid spraying pollinators directly. For more information, see OSU’s How to Reduce Bee Poisoning from Pesticides
If Using Herbicides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
Chemical Method: Use with Caution
BrianLasenby, iStock
Why is it important to read herbicide labels?
- They have detailed information on how to use the product correctly and legally.
- They contain information on potential hazards of the product.
- They provide instructions you should follow for poisonings and spills.
- Following label instructions helps you to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits.
Key Herbicide Safety Tips
- Read the entire label front to back.
- Follow the instructions.
- Review the instructions even for brands you know.
- Only apply the product where the label says it may be applied.
- Be precise in your application. More is not better.
The Label is the Law
ALWAYS read the label before using herbicide products. The label is a legal document that provides information on how to safely use the herbicide. This helps avoid harm to human health and the environment. Using an herbicide in off-label ways is illegal. It can result in legal enforcement actions.
READ THE LABEL & Follow Instructions
It has instructions to protect you and the environment.
- Labels are different for every product and they often change over time.
- Use a magnifying glass for small print.
- Pay attention to CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER statements.
- Pay attention to the PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.
- The law states you must read and follow herbicide instructions.
Protect Yourself
Eye, skin & lung irritants
- Wear the right protective gear. This often includes chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, a long-sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and shoes.
- Mix outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Wash hands after mixing or applying, and before eating or smoking.
- Take a shower immediately after handling herbicides.
- Wash clothes worn while mixing or applying separately from other laundry.
Protect Children & Pets
Children and pets are at risk if they eat or touch the plants before it dries.
- Keep them away during and after applying herbicides (read label for how long).
- Remove toys and pet dishes from yard before applying.
- Don’t track herbicide products into your home on shoes or clothes.
Protect Plants You Want to Keep
- Glyphosate and similar herbicide ingredients damage both grass and broadleaf plants.
- Minimize spraying of foliage, stems, exposed roots, or the trunks of desirable shrubs or trees to avoid harm.
- Follow the label to avoid damaging the roots of trees and shrubs.
Avoid Wet, Windy, or Hot Weather
Use during favorable weather for best results.
- Don’t spray when it’s raining or when rain is expected in the next 24 hours.
- Wind causes spray to drift that can get on you and desired plants.
- Herbicides may be less effective in hot weather if the target plants are moisture-stressed.
- Some herbicides can turn into a vapor in hot weather and damage nearby plants.
Storage & Disposal
- Store in a secure area away from children.
- Don’t put unused herbicide products in the trash.
- Never pour down any drain or waterway.
- Take unused herbicides to a hazardous waste facility.
Call 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) to find out where to dispose of herbicides.
For the Portland metro region in Oregon, contact Metro’s Recycling Information. Call 503-234-3000, email or visit Metro’s website
More about:
About Using Pesticides on School Grounds in Oregon
If using pesticides on school grounds, there are special rules in Oregon. See School Integrated Pest Management (Oregon Department of Agriculture).
NEED HELP?
The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) can answer questions about pest control chemicals.
1-800-858-7378 or npic@ace.orst.edu
Consider using a licensed pest or weed control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon and other states can suggest other methods.
Invasive Species Alert
- Invasives are non-native species that spread aggressively and alter the environment.
- Controlling creeping buttecup is costly.
- Please do your part to control creeping buttercup on property you manage.
If you think you’ve found creeping buttercup in the grey areas of this map, please report it to the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline at: 1-866-INVADER (1-888-468-2337) or use their online reporting form
Invasive species data @ 2022, iMapInvasives (NatureServe)
View Larger Map >
If you find creeping buttercup in a new area (orange shows already reported cases), please report it
Content provided by editor Weston Miller and writer J. Jeremiah Mann. Pesticide safety information edited by Kaci Buhl.
Peer review facilitated by OSU Department of Horticulture.
Creeping Buttercup References
Creeping buttercup identification and control
King County, Washington
Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens)
Ohio Perennial and Biennial Weed Guide