Ranunculus lyallii (Mount Cook Buttercup)

One of the tallest ranunculus species, Ranunculus lyallii (Mount Cook Buttercup) is an evergreen, sturdy, upright perennial bearing huge, leathery, lily pad-like, dark green leaves, up to 16 in. (40 cm). In summer, it boasts showy panicles of large, cup-shaped, white flowers, 2-3 in. across (5-8 cm), adorned with up to 10 to 15 overlapping petals and a bright yellow center. Native to New Zealand, this Ranunculus occurs in sub-alpine to alpine herbfields in the South Island mountains from Marlborough to Stewart Island from 700m to 1500m in altitude. It performs well in infertile soils and favors stream banks and damp locations in scrub and grasslands. Ranunculus lyallii has a reputation as difficult to grow, demanding cool conditions, constant moisture levels, and sun. It does not thrive in hot, dry climates unless provided with plenty of water, good drainage, and shade.

• Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in moist, gravelly soils which drain quickly.
• Propagate by when fresh or by division in the spring or autumn.
• All parts are poisonous if ingested. Sap may irritate the skin.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to New Zealand, where it occurs in the South Island and on Stewart Island.