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This "Harmless" Flower Is Killing Your Crop. You Definitely Have It
26.02.2025 21:48
Are you sure that your flower beds are decorated only with safe plants?
Scientists are sounding the alarm: one of the most popular garden flowers is slowly killing garden beds, poisoning the soil and neighboring crops.
We are talking about the creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens). Yes, that very cute flower with yellow buds that summer residents love so much.
Its roots secrete protoanemonin, a toxin that inhibits the growth of other plants. A University of Illinois study found that in areas where buttercups grow, tomato yields drop by 40% and carrot yields by 60%.
The toxin penetrates the soil and blocks the absorption of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, even if you regularly fertilize the beds.
But the danger is not only in chemical warfare. Buttercup reproduces like wildfire. One bush produces up to 200 seeds per season, and its shoots take root every 10 cm.
In 2-3 years it takes over the entire garden, drowning out the roots of cultivated plants.
Agronomists compare it to hogweed, but with one difference: buttercup disguises itself as a “harmless flower,” so it is rarely destroyed in time.
How to recognize a threat?
Creeping buttercup has trifoliate leaves, a hollow stem, and bright yellow flowers with 5 petals. It is often confused with marsh marigold, but the latter has larger flowers and rounded leaves.
If you find this "saboteur" on your plot, act immediately. Weeding is useless: the roots remaining in the ground will give new shoots in 2 weeks.
An effective method is mulching with dense material (cardboard, black film) for the entire season. Without light, the buttercup will die, but the process will take 8-12 months.
For quick results, treat the soil with a glyphosate-based herbicide, but keep in mind that after this, the soil will be unsuitable for planting for 2-3 months.
To save already affected beds, add a double dose of organic matter (compost, manure) - this will neutralize toxins and restore the balance of microelements.
Prevention is more important than cure
Never plant buttercup near vegetables or fruit trees. If you want to keep it in a decorative area, dig a slate barrier around the perimeter to a depth of 40 cm - this will stop the creeping roots.
Mow flowers regularly before they go to seed. Remember: one missed bud will result in hundreds of new weeds.
From Enemy to Ally
Buttercup can be turned from an enemy into an ally. Plant it near a compost pit - it will speed up the decomposition of organic matter due to aggressive enzymes.
Or use buttercup as an indicator. It likes waterlogged soils. If this flower is actively growing, it's time to make drainage.
