Bur Buttercup is a noxious weed. Less than five years ago Allan pointed out some scraggly, bitty plants growing along the roadside, identified it as Bur Buttercup and said to watch out for it! This year it is everywhere along previously barren parkstrips, fields, and roadways. Every spot of ground has become it's new home, as this prickly burred plant agressively muscles its way onto our lands.
Each morning while out jogging, I fill a grocery bag or two with the pesky vermin and toss in the trash. An Army corp of volunteers is needed to turn the tide as this 'Missouri River' epidemic weed is on the verge of taking over.
"Fabian Menalled -Bur buttercup (Ranunculus testiculatus) is an exotic annual weed, native of southestern Europe that has become widespread in gardens, small grains, pastures, wastes areas, and along roadsides in the western USA. It is a winter annual that emerges, flowers, and sets fruits in the spring, when temperatures climb into the 45 to 50-degree range. It is a toxic species because it contains ranunculin, a chemical that changes into to protoanemonin, a highly toxic compound. The transformation of ranunculin into protoanemonin occurs when the plant is crushed. There are reports of sheep poisoning after ingesting bur buttercup.
It is important to control bur buttercup before they produce flowers and seeds. Hoeing, pulling and digging can control bur buttercup. They can be sprayed with 2,4-D, Ally, Banvel, Banvel + 2,4D, Finale, Liberty, or Roundup.
Categories: Weed, Bur Buttercup Date: 04/14/2005 go to MSU.montana.edu for more."
Saddest of all, who has even noticed the blight right under their feet? Ask most homeowners about Bur Buttercup and they won't know what you are talking about.
Please grab a bag, sprayer with 2, 4D or a hoe and get out there now before it is too late. It may already be!
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