Creeping buttercup is a problem weed in many pastures and can be a problem in horse paddocks where close grazing tends to open the sward.
Buttercup
What is a buttercup?
Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) is the most common species of buttercup. It is a perennial plant and establishes from the seedbank in new grass leys and where gaps occur in the sward. Once established, creeping buttercup spread by stolons.
Biology
Plants can grow up to 50cm tall and flower from May to September.
Buttercup plants are an indicator of poorly drained, acidic soils.
Creeping buttercup propagates from extensive creeping root stolons and seeds.
How can I identify buttercups?
Plants flower from May to September with bright yellow flowers. Below are 4 common species of buttercups in the UK.
Pre-flowering buttercup
Flowering buttercup
Closer look at leaves
Why are buttercups a problem?
Buttercups have deeper rooting systems than grass and therefore nutrients are being taken up by the weeds and not the grass. Such grass swards may contain less competitive grass species and so buttercups can quickly dominate.
Buttercups reduce grass quality, palatability, and production (rejuvenation) and therefore reduce the pasture's life.
Fresh buttercup can also be toxic to livestock when eaten in large quantities. However, it is generally avoided by livestock due to its acrid taste.
Where buttercups grow – grass does not!
How do I control buttercups?
The best time to treat buttercups are when plants are young, actively growing and before flowering.
You can spray buttercups when flowering as it has a 90% control of normal application.
Use Envy® for the control of buttercups, but if other perennial weeds are present consider using Forefront® T.
Forefront® T should only be used in fields grazed by cattle and sheep.
Envy Herbicide
Envy® controls all species of buttercups, dandelions and docks. Ideal for use in paddocks and low productivity grassland.
Forefront T Herbicide
Forefront® is effective on all species of buttercups and all main weeds found in grassland such as ragwort. Cannot be used for grazing and hay/silage.