Ranunculus flammula, known as lesser spearwort, is a UK native buttercup of wet places. It has narrow, spear-shaped leaves on red-tinged stems and, from June to September, shiny yellow buttercup flowers about 2 cm across.

Lesser spearwort at a glance

Botanical name Ranunculus flammula
Common name Lesser spearwort
Plant type Creeping perennial; dies back in winter
Height and spread Often creeping; about 30–50 cm tall among other plants (RHS: up to 1 m), about 50 cm wide
Flowers Shiny yellow, buttercup-like, about 2 cm across, June to September
Position Full sun
Soil Permanently wet soil or shallow, still water; any pH
Pond depth Boggy soil or water up to about 20 cm deep
Hardiness RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C)
Native to UK and Ireland (native wild flower)

Is lesser spearwort good for wildlife?

Yes. It is on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list and the RHS suggests it for wildlife gardens.

Where to plant it

  • Boggy ground or a pond shelf up to about 20 cm deep
  • Small wildlife ponds, as it is less vigorous than greater spearwort
  • Still or slow-moving water in full sun

Is it poisonous?

Yes. It is harmful if eaten by people or pets, and the sap can irritate and blister skin, so wear gloves when handling it.

How to plant and care for it

Plant in spring. The creeping stems root where they touch wet ground, so trim them back if it spreads too far.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.

Pond depth: 0 - 20cm

Light: Full sun

Hardiness: Hardy

Height and spread: 40 - 80cm tall, 30 - 50cm wide

Planting and flowering months are shown in the calendar under the photos.

Bare root (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants sent without a pot or compost, ready to plant straight away. The most economical way to plant a group.

Potted (9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants growing in our recycled, peat-free compost made in Lincolnshire. Larger sizes give a faster display.

Pack of 3 (7 cm bare-root, 9 cm bare-root, 1 litre bare-root, 3 litre bare-root): three plants of the chosen size at a lower price per plant.

2x Pot & Compost: two plants supplied with pots and compost.

Sizes shown with a line through them are currently unavailable.

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