Pretty Yellow Buttercup

BUTTERCUP

Ranunculus bulbosus

Whenever I visit the meadows or countryside fields in spring or summer,

I always see buttercup in the grassland, waving its lively yellow flowers in the warm wind.

(Picture of Buttercup taken by Myself (Devonshire) on 3 May 2014 at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Great Britain)

Buttercup (genus Ranunculus, family Ranunculaceae) is common in woods and fields of the north temperate zone. The genus name Ranunculus translated from the Latin meaning "little frog". It is also known as Crowfoot, St Anthony's Turnip, Frogsfoot, Goldcup.

Buttercup covers the meadows with dazzling yellow flowers. Its bright yellow petals are so vivid that children play the game of holding the buttercup flower under their chin to test whether their friends like butter. Surprisingly, buttercup reflects yellow on chins like illumination. Its distinctive glossiness of buttercup flower also attract pollinators.

In the Language of Flowers myth, Buttercup has the meaning of 'Childishness, Ingratitude'

Ye field flowers! the gardens eclipse you, 'tis true: Yet, wildings of nature! I dote upon you, For ye waft me to summers of old, When the earth teemed around me with fairy delight, And when daisies and buttercups gladdened my sight Like treasure of silver and golds.

'Field Flowers' Thomas Campbell (1774-1844)

The Song Of The Buttercup Fairy, Flower Fairies of the Summer:

'Tis I whom children love the best; My wealth is all for them; For them is set each glossy cup Upon each sturdy stem.

O little playmates whom I love! The sky is summer-blue, And meadows full of buttercups Are spread abroad for you.

(Flower Fairy illustration and poem by Cicely Mary Barker)

#photography #nature #spring #England #flowerfairies #Buttercup #flower #kew