Poisonous Plants of Georgia
	The Herbarium of the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia

	Common Name: Scientific Name: Buttercup, Crowfoot Ranunculus spp. L.
				Family: Ranunculaceae
			Click on the photos to enlarge images and read a scientific description. This plant may be poisonous to both humans and animals. Please refer to the "Symptoms" section below for information regarding susceptiblity of animal species to poisoning.
		Description: There are approximately 30 species of Ranunculus in the eastern U.S. The leaves of this perennial or annual herb are alternate and vary in shape. The flowers are often solitary and usually yellow with 5 petals and 3-5 green sepals. These plants are generally found in open fields or woods Toxic Part: The entire plant is toxic. Toxin: The toxic compound found in most Ranunculus species is protoanemonin which is derived from ranunculin, a glycoside. Symptoms: Symptoms can arise when animals consume this plant. Clinical signs include excitability, trembling, incoordination, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, conjunctivitis, and possibley urticaria. Grazing animals may be at risk for intoxication although Winters reports of buttercup intoxication in a dog. Treatment: Treatment includes supportive care for clinical signs or symptoms and may include corticosteroids for the urticarial lesions. References: 72, 91, 94, 199 This site is NOT a substitute for the advice of medical physician. Plant poisonings can, in certain cases, result in SERIOUS HARM AND EVEN DEATH. Please contact a physician or your local poison control center if you suspect any plant poisoning. A link to the Georgia Poison Control Center can be found on the "References and Links" page of this site.