Growing bur buttercup

Typical plant growing in disturbed site. Photo courtesy of Gary A. Monroe @ USDA‐NRCS PLANTS Database.

Bur buttercup leaves

The leaves are small and fingerlike. Photo by S. Donaldson.
 
  Bur buttercup stems
 
The seeds form in stiff burrs that turn brown in color when mature. Photo by S. Donaldson.
 

Bur buttercup flowers

Flowers are small, yellow and have 2 to 5 petals. Photo courtesy of Dr. Clinton C. Shock, Oregon State University.
 

Bur buttercup roots

Seedlings have divided leaves that look like fingers. Photo courtesy of Dr. Clinton C. Shock, Oregon State University.
 

 

Other common names

Curveseed butterwort, little bur, testiculate buttercup

Scientific name

Ceratocephala testiculatus

Family

Ranunculaceae

Description

A small, 2‐ to 5‐inch tall plant that grows and flowers early in spring, bur buttercup produces stiff burrs that help spread this weed. It is toxic to livestock.

  • Flowers

         Small, yellow, with 2 to 5 petals. Blooms from late winter to early spring.

  • Leaves

    Grayish‐green, hairy, and attached at the base of the plant. Leaf blades look like fingers.

  • Stems

    Short; extend outward from the base of the plant.

  • Fruit

         Forms many stiff, brown burrs. This is the point at which most people notice the plant.

  • Roots

    Short taproot.

Native to

Eurasia; naturalized throughout much of the western United States

Where it grows

Roadsides, vacant lots, in pavement cracks and other disturbed or unmanaged sites.

Life cycle

Winter annual (sprouts in fall and early winter)

Reproduction

Reproduces by seed

Control methods

Bur buttercup should be controlled prior to seed formation. As this occurs very early in the spring, careful monitoring is needed to stop the spread of this weed.

 

  • Mechanical

    Dig, hoe or pull young seedlings. Use mechanical control methods prior to formation of flowers and burrs.

    Cultural

    Thick mulches can help prevent seed germination. Plant desirable vegetation that will shade the area and reduce germination and growth of young plants.

    Biological

    None

    Chemical

    Apply broadleaf‐selective herbicides on young plants. Pre‐emergence herbicides can be used to manage existing seed banks.

References

DiTomaso, J.M. and E.A. Healy. 2007. Weeds of California and Other Western States. University of California Publication 3488.

USDA‐NRCS Plants Database. No date. Ceratocephala testiculatus (Crantz) Roth, Curveseed Butterwort, USDA

Utah State University Cooperative Extension. 2010. Bur Buttercup. Range Plants of Utah, USU

Whitson, Tom D. (editor). 2002. Weeds of the West. University of Wyoming, Jackson, Wyoming.

Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Bur Buttercup, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-20
Printable    Version    (PDF)

Learn more about the author(s)

Wendy Hanson Mazet
Wendy Hanson Mazet
 

Also of Interest:

 
Annual Bursage
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Annual Bursage
This fact sheet contains information on identifying and managing annual bursage for a northern Nevada homeowner. Learn more about the properties of the plant such as the life cycle, reproduction, control methods, etc.
 Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2011, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-64
Xanthium strumarium
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Common Cocklebur
This fact sheet contains information on ways to maintain and control cocklebur. Learn more about the plant by reading an in-depth guide on the features of the plant and control methods.
 Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2013, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-11
 

Associated Programs

Weed Warriors Invasive Weed Training cb

Weed Warriors Invasive Weed Training

The Weed Warriors program tackles the growing problem of weeds on public and private land.

Master Gardeners at tabling event

Master Gardeners of Nevada

Program trains local gardeners to provide research-based horticulture information to Nevadans

master gardeners in garden

Master Gardeners of Washoe County

Master Gardeners provide free, research-based horticulture information to Nevadans.