Life cycle
Bulbous buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus) is a non-native perennial plant that blooms in spring to early summer.
Growth habit
Forms a basal rosette of 3-lobed leaves, arising from a corm. Flowers are bright yellow with 5-7 shiny petals arising from erect, somewhat hairy stems. Tall and creeping buttercup are also seen but less common.
Reproduction
By seed but corms can overwinter.
Conditions that favor growth
Unfertilized, poor soil.
Management in lawns
Maintain healthy, dense turf that can compete and prevent weed establishment.
Mechanical management
Hand pulling using an appropriate weeding tool that digs deep into the soil so that all of the bulbs are removed is the best way to control this weed. This is a viable option at the beginning of an infestation and on young weeds. Hand pulling when the soil is moist makes the task easier.
Manage Weeds Without Chemicals
Chemical treatment in lawns
If you choose this option, spot treat the weeds with a liquid, selective, postemergent, broadleaf weed killer applied when it is actively growing in the spring. Look for a product with one or more of the following active ingredients: 2, 4-D, MCPP (mecoprop), Dicamba* or Triclopyr.
*Do not spray herbicides containing dicamba over the root zone of trees and shrubs. Roots can absorb the product possibly causing plant damage. Refer to the product label for precautions.