Persian Buttercup – Ranunculus asiaticus

Common Name: Persian Buttercup

Botanical Name: Ranunculus asiaticus, rah-NUN-kew-lus ah-see-AH-ti-cus

Decorative Life: 3-7 days.

Flower Color: Orange, Pink, Red, White, Yellow

Availability: Spring, Winter

• Member of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup family).
• Native to Crete, Southwestern Asia.
• Common relatives include monkshood, anemone, columbine and delphinium.

• Has single flowers with 5 petals, double flowers (most cvs.) with many petals resembling small peonies, 1-4 inches wide.
• Stems are 10-20 inches long, hollow and brittle.
• Plant is a herbaceous perennial from tuberous roots, classed as a dicotyledon, leaves not parallel veined.

From 33-41F wet storage is better than higher temperatures but more than a few days storage is not recommended.

• The Latin name derives from “rana” (a little frog), referring to the fact that many species grow in wet places. The specific epithet name “asiaticus” means of Asia.
• Suitable for drying.