30. BUTTERCUPS

Ranunculus spp.

(buttercup family)

TOXICITY RATING: Low. Most animals avoid buttercups, and seldom ingest enough to cause any serious toxicity.

ANIMALS AFFECTED: All animals that chew on or ingest the plant can be affected.

DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Fresh leaves and stems.

CLASS OF SIGNS: Oral and gastrointestinal irritation are the primary signs (oral irritation, salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhea which may be bloody).

PLANT DESCRIPTION: Buttercups arise from fibrous roots, thickened rootstocks, or bulbs to form a rosette of basal leaves and often a low stem with alternate and divided (three-parted) leaves. The axillary, solitary flowers have five green sepals, five glossy yellow petals, and numerous reproductive parts and seeds. Buttercups usually are found in moist woods, meadows, fields, pastures, and sometimes along roadsides and in drier sites. Bristly buttercup (Ranunculus hispidus, fig. 30A) is typical of the wet site species; celeryleaf buttercup (cursed crowfoot, Ranunculus sceleratus, fig. 30B) is typical of the small-flowered, dry-site species.

SIGNS: The toxin in buttercup is protoanemonin, a volatile yellow oil, which causes intense oral irritation and gastrointestinal irritation. Problems in livestock tend to occur most often in the spring, herbivorous pets may be poisoned at any time if they have access to the plant. The plant is not palatable, and causes almost immediate oral irritation, so animals tend to avoid it. The toxicity of buttercup varies greatly among the different species and during the course of the growing season. Seldom is buttercup reported as a significant threat to animals. In experimental feeding trials with greater quantities of buttercup, prostration, coma and death have been reported, but these signs are rarely reported under field conditions.

FIRST AID: No treatment is necessary unless severe gastrointestinal signs are present (colic, bloody diarrhea) or if a large quantity was observed to be eaten. Minor oral irritation will resolve on its own.

SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Reportedly, the toxin is volatilized ("evaporates off"), so processed feeds and hay may be safe for consumption. However, consumption of any significant quantity of contaminated feeds is not recommended.

PREVENTION: Buttercup is a common pasture contaminant, and tends to not cause problems as long as there is sufficient quantities of good forage available. Eradication is not usually necessary, since animals tend to avoid this plant on their own. If it has become a problem, mowing or eradication are recommended.

NOTE: Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), a closely related plant found in similar habitats, also contains protoanemonin and causes mouth and stomach irritation as well as generalized distress when cattle, sheep, or horses eat the fresh tops. Hay has been considered safe for consumption. First aid is the same as for buttercups.