Buttercup

Identifying Characteristics:

• Plants can be anywhere from 6 inches to 2.5 ft tall
• Wedge-like, three-lobed leaves at the base
• Some species' petals appear waxy
• Yellow flowers, generally with 5 petals, but can have more depending on the buttercup species
• Shape of petals can vary

Plant Longevity:

• Winter annual

Where Commonly Found:

• Moist woods
• Fields
• Pastures
• Roadsides

Time of Most Concern:

• Spring and early summer when plant is flowering

Compound that Causes Concern:

• Glycoside, ranunculin from which the poisonous principle, protoanemonin is released by enzymatic action when the plant is crushed
• Protoanemonin is volatile, yellow, and a bitter tasting in oil
• Plants contain 0.3-2.5% protoanemonin on a dry weight basis
• Highest concentration of protoanemonin is when flowering begins

Part of Plant Most Toxic:

• All parts

Livestock Species Affected:

• Cattle are more susceptible, but horses, goats, swine, and dogs may also be poisoned

Pasture, Stored Feed, Both:

• Both

Clinical Signs:

• Oral blisters and ulcers
• Salivation
• Diarrhea
• Low heart rate
• Convulsions
• Twitching
• Depression
• Excitement
• Anorexia

Amount Needed to be Consumed for Clinical Signs / Death:

• Relatively large amounts of the plant must be consumed before livestock develop toxicosis.