buttercup

Buttercup is a common name for a group of flowering plants in the genus Ranunculus, which belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. Species such as Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus repens and Ranunculus bulbosus are widespread in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The plants are typically herbaceous perennials or annuals, bearing glossy, usually yellow petals that give the flower its distinctive appearance. Leaves are often pinnately divided and the stems may be erect or trailing, depending on the species.

Buttercups thrive in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, wetlands and forest edges. Their range extends across Europe, North America and parts of Asia, with some species introduced elsewhere as ornamental garden plants. The flowers open in full sun and close during overcast conditions, a phenomenon noted in botanical studies of photoperiodic responses.

Historically, buttercups have been featured in folklore and literature, sometimes symbolizing youthful innocence or, conversely, considered a nuisance due to their toxic sap that can irritate the skin and be harmful if ingested by livestock. While most species contain ranunculin, a compound that converts to protoanemonin when the plant tissue is damaged, certain varieties are cultivated for their aesthetic value in horticulture. In modern contexts, the term “buttercup” also appears in popular culture, such as the nickname of the fictional character Buttercup in the film *The Hunger Games* and the classic song “Build Me Up Buttercup”.