control of creeping buttercup in grassland

In these cases, clover stands are likely not that thick or need rejuvenating. However, buttercup is able to germinate and grow because of insufficient ground cover of desirable forage species. Consult the herbicide label for further information on grazing restrictions, precautions or other possible limitations.Īpplying broadleaf herbicides like 2,4-D will damage clover. For best herbicide activity, wait until daytime air temperatures are greater than 50o F for two or three consecutive days. For optimum results, apply herbicide in the early spring (February-March) before flowers are observed and when buttercup plants are still small and actively growing. Herbicides registered for use on grass pastures will effectively control buttercup, including those that include 2,4-D. Mowing fields or clipping plants close to the ground in the early spring before buttercup plants can produce flowers may help reduce the amount of new seed produced, but mowing alone will not totally eliminate seed production. Therefore, pasture management that maintains thick stands and promotes growth of more desirable plants during these months is one of the best methods to help compete against the emergence and growth of this plant. Most buttercup plants emerge from seed during the fall or late winter months. If other forage is available, grazing horses will usually avoid buttercup because the leaves, flowers and stems have a sharp, acrid taste. A review of University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory records over the last 13 years found no cases of horse deaths attributable to buttercup ingestion. Death of horses due to buttercup is rare. Less is known about whether ensiling, or conversion into silage, has a similar detoxification effect. The blistering agent is detoxified rapidly by drying, and thus it is not generally a problem in hay. Grazing or mowing will release a powerful vesicant, or blistering agent, which causes blistering of the skin, mouth and digestive system on contact. This is one reason buttercups can survive year to year.īuttercups are more than an unsightly weed. Waiting until after flowers appear can be too late to implement control tactics. New seeds are produced during the time petals are showy. Each of these species have somewhat similar flower heads but differ in their leaf characteristics. Buttercups are sometimes classified as short-lived perennials, but often grow as winter annuals.įour species of buttercups can be found in Kentucky: bulbous buttercup ( Ranunculus bulbosus), creeping buttercup ( Ranunculus repens), tall buttercup ( Ranunculus acris) and small flower buttercup ( Ranunculus arbortivus).

Buttercup is the common name for a group of species from the genus Ranunculus. It spreads by sending out runners that creep across the surface of the lawn/soil and develops tough anchoring roots at several points along the way.Ĭreeping buttercup is more palatable than other butter cups so may be grazed on by stock however it is likely to cause diarrhoea in both cattle and sheep.Kentucky pastures have exploded with the signature yellow buttercup flower. It mainly spreads by seed but can also grow from small pieces of rooting stem. It can also deplete the land of potassium and may cause a allelopathic effect on any neighbouring plants. It can tolerate both waterlogging and a moderate drought.Ĭreeping buttercup is a troublesome weed particularly in poorly drained soil that is difficult to control and can quickly smother grass in lawns and plants in beds and borders. It is common in gateways and paths as it is good at tolerating trampling and compaction. It often occurs in a band like formation along the bottom of ridges and furrows. In mown grass the yellow flowers will be absent but it’s three-lobed serrated leaves are easily identifiable.

It thrives in wet, heavy clay soil conditions forming a dense network of shoots, runners and roots and its presence often indicates the need for improvements to soil structure and drainage.Ĭreeping Buttercup can be easily identified with it’s glossy-yellow flowers from May to September however it has a courser, more low-lying foliage than meadow buttercup (R.acris) and does not bear bulbs like the way less yellow celandine (R.ficaria) does.

It is the commonest of the buttercups and is an efficient colonist of areas disturbed by man and a troublesome weed of arable land. Creeping buttercup is a common garden weed found in lawns, borders and bare soil areas with low-lying foliage that forms mats.

Control of creeping buttercup in grassland