Friday Favorites- Ranunculus

I thought I would start taking a little time each week to think and write about something I love and appreciate. For this first Friday Favorites post, I selected Ranunculus. I am a girl who loves flowers and I love gardening. I have quite a few favorites when it comes to flowers, but if I had to pick one, my absolute favorite flowers are Ranunculus. 

Why Ranunclus?

For me there is a wonderful softness in the layering of their petals. Though they are more dense with petals than a rose, they have a lightness about them. Their shape is unusual, as it is more flat and sometimes convex it the top. Many colors often have a pop of contrasting green in their center, as they color lightens toward the center. They are lovely on their own and pair well with a variety of other flowers and plants, to make stunning arrangements. While I love my garden full of flowers, I also love fresh flower arrangements in the house. 

What is a Ranunclua?

Ranuncluas are known as Buttercup flowers and are often used in Gardens throughout Europe. There are about 600 species of the Ranunclulaceae family. They typically grow in the late Spring and Summer. They are a perennial flower. My personal favorite is the for cultivated Ranunculus Asiaticus, or the Persian Buttercup.

They come in white, Yellow, Apricot, orange, pale pink, and dark pink. 

Medicinal Uses

In traditional eastern medicine, Ranunculus are used for anti-rheumatism, and intermittent fever. However, they are poisonous if they are eaten fresh. They are also toxic to livestock.

Arrangments

I love pairing Ranunculus in arrangements. Some of my personal favorite pairings are with Anemones (which are also part of the Ranunculaceae family) and Hydrangeas. A few sprigs of Hypericum Berries and Kremit Mums are also a nice addition.

References

•  Aslam, M.S.; Choudhari, B.S.; Uzair, M.; Ijaz, A.S. (2012). "The genus Ranunculus: A phytochemical and ethnopharmacological review". International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 4 (5): 15–22.
  
• Emadzade, K.; Lehnebach, C.; Lockhart, P.; Hörandl, E. (2010). "A molecular phylogeny, morphology and classification of genera of Ranunculeae (Ranunculaceae)". Taxon. 59 (3): 809–828. doi:10.1002/tax.593011.​​
  

•  Huxley, A., ed. (1992). New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan ISBN 0-333-47494-5.