The Golden Buttercup of Dry Fields

Typical of dry meadows and poor soils, it is recognizable by the bulb at the base of the stem, allowing it to survive drought and cold. Its bright yellow, almost “enameled” flowers have sepals that bend sharply backward after blooming, distinguishing it from other buttercups. All fresh parts contain protoanemonin, an irritant compound that makes it toxic to grazing animals; once dried, however, it loses much of its toxicity. In folk beliefs, buttercups with their “molten gold” color were seen as symbols of joy and light.