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Giant Buttercup Wikimedia Commons
Ranunculaceae

Giant Buttercup

Ranunculus lyallii

Purity of the mountains.

Family
Ranunculaceae
Genus
Ranunculus
Native to
New Zealand
Bloom season
Spring, Summer
Type
perennial herb
Height
2-3 ft
Sunlight
part shade
Soil
moist, humus-rich, well-drained
Water
high
Hardiness
7-9
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Ranunculus lyallii is the world's largest buttercup, with leaves up to 30 cm across.
  • It is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand, growing in alpine and subalpine meadows.
  • Named after Scottish naturalist David Lyall, who collected plants during Antarctic expeditions.
  • Despite its common name, its flowers are white rather than the typical yellow of most buttercups.
  • The Maori name for this plant is 'kopukupuku' or 'Mount Cook lily,' though it is not a true lily.

Color meanings

0

innocence

1

alpine beauty

Uses

  • ornamental
  • alpine garden specimen