Monday, April 23, 2012

A Blanket of Buttercups


These buttercups bloomed overnight. Like magic! 

We spend a lot of time outdoors and  I'm very observant where nature is concerned but I still had to ask my little boy: Were these flowers here yesterday?  Just to confirm that I wasn't losing my mind and all powers of perception.    

Such pretty little flowers.  And they are small-- only about 1/2 inch in diameter.  I love the vibrant yellow and in person the blossoms gleam as if wet. Don't know how to make the sheen show up in a photo so please take my word for it-- the flowers look wet even on a dry day. Very unusual.



Now friends, if you run across a field of buttercups don't be tempted to weave flower wreaths.  Buttercups are toxic!  To livestock and humans. 

In humans, handling the plants can cause contact dermatitis.  I got an itchy little blister on my ankle from wading through these buttercups.  The lengths I'll go to... even endangering life and limb for your entertainment!

Buttercups are members of the the genus Ranunculus and you can learn more here.

Joining these lovely parties:
Mellow Yellow Monday
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8 comments:

  1. Very pretty and so cheerful. Have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This post sort of made me want to have a picnic in a blanket of buttercups! I'd be sure to watch over my dogs though (had no idea they were toxic - whew, thanks for that)!

    Happy seeing beautiful!
    http://seeabeautifulworld.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, good info to know. Makes me wonder how many other pretty wildflowers are toxic.

      Delete
  3. So pretty. I love these flowers and you captured them beautifully.
    Feel free to link up your color photos every Saturday at Color Carnival
    http://www.mariasspace.com/search/label/color%20carnival

    ReplyDelete
  4. +JMJ+

    They're toxic?!?!?! You'd never know that from the name they were given. Those poetic botanists should have known better! ;-)

    And now I wonder if William Goldman knew this when he named the heroine of The Princess Bride "Buttercup"! LOL!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! that is a funny thought! There is an old pop song 'Build me up, Buttercup' too but doubt there is any connection to toxicity but you never know.

      I've never actually read Princess Bride!! Shame on me! I'll have to remedy that.

      Delete

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