Ranunculus repens

This Creeping buttercup is a perennial weed particularly troublesome in moister soils where it grows strongly and roots deeply. It can be found in lawns, borders and bare soil areas and grows and spreads prolifically on the summit of Brayton Barff in North Yorkshire. 

After mild wet winters and in heavy soils rich in clay, creeping buttercup spreads widely and is difficult to eradicate from amongst permanent plantings in borders and in the fruit garden. This weed’s presence often indicates the need for improvements to soil structure and drainage.

The classic glossy-yellow flowers of creeping buttercup are not unattractive from May to September but the foliage is coarser than meadow buttercup and it tends to stay more low-lying.