Ranunculus aconitifolius (Fair Maids of France)

Ranunculus aconitifolius (Fair Maids of France) is a clump-forming perennial boasting masses of loose sprays of single, saucer-shaped, white buttercups, each with a golden yellow button center. Blooming in late spring to early summer, they are borne on tall, upright, branching stems and contrast with the foliage of dark, glossy green, finely divided leaves. Native to central Europe, this Ranunculus usually grows as an ephemeral spring plant and goes into dormancy when summer's heat arrives. A vigorous grower, it sometimes forms large colonies in moist places in mountains, meadows, edges of ditches, and streams. It will easily spread among other plants, and make a cheerful groundcover.

• Grows up to 24-36 in. tall and wide (60-90 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in humus-rich, fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Will tolerate wet conditions.
• Great candidate for beds and borders, cottage gardens, prairies and meadows, and wildflower gardens. Great for growing in bog gardens and near ponds and streams.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew.
• Propagate by seed or division.
• All parts are poisonous if ingested. Sap may irritate the skin.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to central Europe to Central Spain and Croatia.