Relative Information: Tall buttercup is a perennial weed that prefers well drained, humus rich soil. It prefers wet years to dry years; it will not survive in the dry years. Tall buttercup is usually spread by seed dispersal. This weed has extensive, fibrous roots that spread from a larger root stalk.

Problems: Tall buttercup is poisonous and produces a toxic oil called protoanemonin. This can cause skin irritation and blistering. If ingested, it will also cause irritation and blistering of the mouth and digestive tract. There have been severe cases where the weed has been ingested and caused paralysis, convulsions, and death. If tall buttercup isn’t controlled, it will dominate native vegetation.

Chemical Controls:
*all controls are shown in alphabetical order
**Read the label for ingredients, application rates, instructions and safety protocols

• 2,4-D Ester (Top growth only)
• Clearview
• Clearview Brush
• Clearview + 2,4-D amine
• Milestone
• Milestone + 2,4-D amine
• Navius (Season long control)
• Sightline
• Truvist (Season long Control)

• Navius (Season long control)
• Restore II
• Reclaim II
• Grazon XC (Supressed)

Mechanical Controls: Somewhat effective. Mowing before seeds set will help decrease infestation rates. Hand-pulling will also reduce small infestations.

Biological Controls: No biological control agents at this time.

Cultivation: Effective. Tall buttercup does not grow under cultivated land.

*Grazing: Ineffective. Weed is toxic to livestock. However, maintaining grass within pastures will aid in the control of tall buttercup.
*Any grazing on invasive species should not be considered.

Disclaimer:
This is for information purposes only. Please always read and follow the label of each chemical control used (herbicides). For more information on the local policies of chemical use in your area, contact your agricultural division.

This information was made possible by funding from the Southern Alberta Land Trust Society.

Other sponsors of this work include Bayer CropScience, Dow AgroSciences and Alberta Invasive Species Council.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Alberta Weed Control Act
• City of Ann Arbor Michigan Parks and Recreation
• Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
• Montana Noxious Weeds
• National Park Service, Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team Invasive Plant List
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States

References