Aquatic buttercup (Ranunculus aquatilis) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Common water-crowfoot, White water-crowfoot, Batrachium aquatile
Family
Ranunculaceae (buttercup family)
Origin
Most of Europe including Britain, western North America and north-west Africa
Water
freshwater
Temperature
4–20°C
pH
6.5–8
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
High light or full sun

Care

Common water-crowfoot is a native British water buttercup that forms mats on the surface of ponds, ditches and streams. It has finely divided, thread-like underwater leaves and, in calm water, rounded toothed floating leaves; in fast water the floating leaves may not form. White flowers with yellow centres are held 1–2 cm above the water in spring and early summer, often covering the surface. It is a pond and coldwater plant. It needs cool water and strong light and does poorly in heated tanks, where it tends to become leggy and fade. In wildlife ponds it is excellent oxygenating cover. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranunculusaquatilis); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Take stem pieces and plant or weight them in the pond; they root at the nodes. It also sets seed.

Compatibility and tank mates

Goldfish and koi may graze it. Excellent cover for native fish, newts and invertebrates in ponds. Not suited to tropical tanks.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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