Buttercups
General description and types
Buttercups are perennial weeds and the most common of these is the Creeping Buttercup. Other types include the Bulbous Buttercup, Crowfoot and less commonly the Lesser Celadine. The three main types are easily identified during flowering season by their distinctive yellow flowers and 3 lobes that are toothed. They typically flower between May and August.
In what conditions do they thrive?
The Creeping Buttercup the most problematic in British conditions thrives in heavy wet soils that are routinely waterlogged. It is problematic in mown turf as it becomes low growing and can tolerate low cutting heights.
What are the effects on turf?
The Creeping Buttercup can cover large areas of turf very rapidly outcompeting the grasses. Runners (stolons) creep overground producing new nodes that create strong white roots.
Management
Cultural
🌻 Promoting healthy turf is always the best line of defence, adequate fertilisation, surface grooming and renovation practices such as scarification and top dressing will help.
🌻 Creeping Buttercup is unusual on well drained soils, surface aeration that encourages a drier surface and decompaction works are advisable.
Chemical
🌻 Creeping Buttercup is easily controlled with a single application of selective weedkiller.
🌻 Selective herbicides should only ever be applied by a fully qualified professional with the appropriate equipment and paperwork.
🌻 Always try and minimise use of chemicals where possible. Seek guidance from BASIS certificated advisors and use contractors abiding by The Amenity Standard scheme.