Lesser Spearwort - Ranunculus flammula
Irish name - Glasair léana bheag
family - Ranunculaceae
Lesser Spearwort is a member of the buttercup family, and Ranunculus – the first part of the plant’s Latin name tranlates as “little frog” (Rana = frog), and possibly comes from the fact that many of the species from this family like wet habitats.
Lesser spearwort is easily mistaken for the common buttercup, but it has slightly paler, more lemon-coloured flowers. Buttercups usually like their surroundings to be a bit drier and, unlike buttercups, the leaves of Lesser Spearwort are undivided and spear- or flame-shaped, hence the second part of the Latin name – flammula. Its leaves are simple and narrow (up to 2cm wide). The basal leaves are long-stalked, whereas the stem leaves are opposite and short-stalked (sometimes stalkless).
Its flowers are on stalks up to 10cm long, yellow and between 8 and 20mm across, appearing from June to Octobers. The flowers are hermaphrodite, which means they have both male and female organs, and they are pollinated by insects. Its fruits are ‘achenes’, and are found in round clusters of about 5-25. They are mostly 2-3mm long, smooth and hairless.
Lesser Spearwort is a foodplant of some Lepidopterans (butterflies, moths and skippers), including “Hebrew Character” (Orthosia gothica) and “Angle Shades” (Phlogophora meticulosa).
It is a useful and attractive plant and is less invasive than its close relative, the much larger Greater Spearwort, Ranunculus lingua, and will prove a colourful addition to your pond.
Propagation
From seed
Sow the seeds in spring in situ. This plant does not really need much encouragement to spread once established.
By division
Existing plants can be divided in spring when they are actively growing and replanted straight into pond margins.
The following grow in similar habitats (alphabetical by common name)
Permission from the landowner - and, if the site holds any kind of designation, from Environment & Heritage Service too - must be sought before collecting plant material (including seeds).