Lesser spearwort (Ranunculus flammula)

Lesser Spearwort (Ranunculus flammula) is a charming native marginal plant, perfect for adding a splash of bright yellow to the edges of ponds, streams, and boggy areas. Its small but cheerful buttercup-like flowers bloom prolifically from early summer, attracting bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators – making it a fantastic choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

The spear-shaped leaves, often tinged with red, sprawl along the water’s edge, creating valuable shelter for frogs, insects, and other small pond creatures. Thriving in shallow water or consistently damp soil, this hardy perennial plays a key role in wetland ecosystems, offering both food and habitat for a variety of wildlife.

Just be aware – like many buttercups, it’s sap is mildly toxic, so handle with care. A low-maintenance yet high-impact plant for natural ponds and damp gardens.

Details

• Native: Yes
• Sun: Full Sun
• Depth: 0 – 15
• Height max: 30
• Spread max: 40
• RHS PFP: Yes
• RHS AGM: No

Care Instructions

Lesser Spearwort is easy to grow in shallow water or consistently wet soil. Trim back after flowering to keep it tidy, and propagate by seed or division in spring or late summer.

Repotting Instructions

Can also be planted in very wet soil – do not allow to dry out.

9cm marginal plants require potting into a mesh basket. Place in a pond no deeper than 1/3 maximum recommended planting depth to allow the plants to establish.

1ltr marginal plants do not require repotting but will benefit from a bigger basket, there is no need to remove the mesh basket. Place in pond no deeper than 1/2 maximum recommended planting depth to allow the plants to establish. Plants over 60cm height growth will benefit from repotting into a larger mesh basket or should be planted in gravel to prevent them from falling over in a breeze.

3ltr and 5ltr plants do not require repotting; there is no need to remove the mesh basket. Place on the shelf of the pond at the required depth.