Buttercup

Garden Problems , Lawn Problems , Weed Control ,

Buttercups are common weeds in damp areas of lawns and pastures.

Identify the problem
Buttercups tend to be a problem in damp parts of lawns. Buttercup can tolerate wet soil conditions better than many other species, so buttercup out competes the grasses, and creeping buttercup in particular spreads rapidly. Giant buttercup is not as common as creeping buttercup but is the most aggressive of the buttercups found in New Zealand. It is commonly found in parts of the North Island.
How to solve the problem
In Lawns
- Buttercup, particularly creeping buttercup can be difficult to eradicate from lawns. LawnPro Ultra Turfclean (also known as LawnPro Turfclean Ultra), LawnPro Prickle and Hydrocotyle, LawnPro Turfclean orLawnPro All–In–1 applied to the lawn will control it but a second application may be necessary for eradication.
In Flowerbeds
- In flowerbeds or on paths Weed Weapon Extra Strength or Weed Weapon Rapid Action will control buttercup quickly without harming soil.
In Paths and Driveways
- Weed Weapon Long Term will kill buttercup and prevent its return for several months making it particularly useful on paths, driveways and other non-cultivated areas.
Did you know?
Creeping buttercup spreads vegetatively by producing stolons. The stolons allow creeping buttercup to spread laterally quite quickly into nearby weed-free areas.

Buttercup species in New Zealand include:
- Giant buttercup - Ranunculus acris
- Hairy buttercup - Ranunculus sardous
- Creeping buttercup - Ranunculus repens