Description
Smallflower buttercup (Ranunculus abortivus) may resemble a wild violet in its early growth, but later in the life cycle it produces upright stems that are slender and branch from the base of the plant. Lower leaves are dark green and rounded, while upper leaves are a brighter green and elongate with occasional lobes. Flowers, which appear from April to August, are tiny and yellow with five petals. The plant can grow to heights of 6 - 24 inches. Smallflower buttercup reproduces by seed. This weed grows in both dry and moist environments and is commonly found in fields, waste areas, and wooded habitats. It can be distinguished from hairy buttercup by the lack of hairs on its leaves. In addition, hairy and bulbous buttercup have lobed leaves, whereas most of the lower leaves of smallflower buttercup are unlobed.
Cultural Control
Perennial broadleaf turf weeds are capable of living more than two years. They thrive in weak, thin turf; golf fairways and roughs; home lawns; playfields; and industrial grounds. Proper turf maintenance is the key to control of this weed. First, select adapted turfgrass cultivars for your area and then properly fertilize, mow, and water to encourage dense growth.
Chemical Control
| Herbicide and Formulation | Amount of Formulation per 1,000 sq ft | Amount of Formulation per Acre | Pounds Active Ingredient per Acre |
| Preemergence and Postemergence Control | |||
| mesotrione, MOA 27 (4 SC) (Tenacity) | 0.092 to 0.183 fl oz | 4 to 8 fl oz | 0.125 to 0.25 |
| Precaution and Remarks: Use on residential turf, golf courses (not greens) and sod farms for pre- and postemergence weed control. Tolerant turfgrasses include St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. Add a nonionic surfactant and repeat application after 2 to 3 weeks for improved postemergence control. Tank mix with prodiamine 65 WG for extended preemergence grassy weed control. Can be applied at seeding to all tolerant grasses except fine fescue. After turf germination, wait 4 weeks or until turf has been mowed twice before making a postemergence application. Also controls henbit, chickweed, dandelion, white clover, Florida betony, Florida pusley, ground ivy, oxalis, wild violet, creeping bentgrass, and yellow nutsedge. | |||
| [sulfentrazone + prodiamine], MOA 14 + 3 (4 SC) (Echelon) | 0.184 to 0.826 fl oz | 0.5 to 2.25 pt | 0.25 to 1.125 |
| Precaution and Remarks: Use on residential turf, golf courses (not greens) and sod farms for pre- and postemergence weed control. Tolerant turfgrasses include St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. Add a nonionic surfactant and repeat application after 2 to 3 weeks for improved postemergence control. Tank mix with prodiamine 65 WG for extended preemergence grassy weed control. Can be applied at seeding to all tolerant grasses except fine fescue. After turf germination, wait 4 weeks or until turf has been mowed twice before making a postemergence application. Also controls henbit, chickweed, dandelion, white clover, Florida betony, Florida pusley, ground ivy, oxalis, wild violet, creeping bentgrass, and yellow nutsedge. | |||
Species Data
- GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
- winter annual or biennial or perennial weed
- GROWTH HABIT
- upright
Figure 1
- upright
- LEAFLET NUMBER
- one
- LEAF MARGIN
- most of the lower leaves exhibit crinkled leaf margins, while upper leaves tend to have smooth margins
Figure 2
- most of the lower leaves exhibit crinkled leaf margins, while upper leaves tend to have smooth margins
- LEAF HAIRS
- most of the lower leaves are heart-shaped and unlobed, whereas the upper leaves tend to be elongated and occasionally lobed
- LEAF VENATION
- pinnate
- LEAF ARRANGEMENT
- ROOT TYPE
- fibrous
- FLOWER COLOR
- yellow
Figure 6
- yellow
Figure 1. Smallflower buttercup growth habit.
Figure 2. Smallflower buttercup leaf margin.
Figure 3. Smallflower buttercup leaf arrangement.
Figure 4. Smallflower buttercup leaf arrangement.
Figure 5. Smallflower buttercup leaf arrangement.
Figure 6. Smallflower buttercup flower color.
Publication date: Nov. 15, 2017
Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by NC State University or N.C. A&T State University nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use agricultural chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension county center.
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