Any safe uses for Buttercups?

[burek]

I've tried googling this but so far have found only very scary facts about how poisonous and dangerous they are (my DS picks me at least one bunch of them every day and so far he hasn't had spasms and diarrhea - surely they can't be that bad??).

Does anyone know if there anything I can make using the flowers/leaves/seeds?

[PaulDavidSumner]

Compost! The whole plant is poisonous, with acrid sap that can blister the skin and mouth. I wouldn't describe it as 'dangerous' though, as it's not in the same toxicity league as deadly species like hemlock (conium maculatum) and foxglove (digitalis purpurea).

[PaulDavidSumner]

http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php ... sceleratus

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves.

Young plant cooked[2, 105]. It is said to be not unwholesome if the plant is boiled and the water thrown away[4] and then the plant cooked again[272]. Caution is strongly advised, see the notes above on toxicity and below on medicinal uses.

http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php ... s+bulbosus

All parts of the plant are poisonous, the toxins can be destroyed by heat or by drying[4, 10, 13, 19, 62, 65]. The plant has a strongly acrid juice that can cause blistering to the skin[65, 183].

...

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves; Root.

Leaves - cooked. A famine food used when all else fails[177], and I would rather give it a miss even then[K]! Root - must be dried beforehand and thoroughly cooked[105, 183]. When boiled, the roots are said to become so mild as to be eatable[2], though personally, I would rather give this one a miss as well[K]. See the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses
...
The root has been placed in a tooth cavity to act as a painkiller[257].

[ina]

The root has been placed in a tooth cavity to act as a painkiller[257].

Mmmhh. I suppose if it kills me the pain is gone, too.

I'd be careful with the composting, too - those roots seem to survive a lot, and crop up again all over the place. I do compost the leaves, though.

[Shirley]

They do look pretty though :D I didn't know until today that the sap could blister the skin.

Welcome to the site PDS!

[PaulDavidSumner]

those roots seem to survive a lot, and crop up again all over the place

Good point, all bar one of the species listed in Collins Wild Flowers (John Akeroyd 1996) are perennials. Personally I will put any plant except couch grass (agropyron repens) into my daleks, but composting perennial weeds is not recommended by most sources I have read.

[ina]

Oops, sorry, Paul - hadn't realised you were a newbie: Welcome!

[ohareward]

We have buttercups growing along our stream. They grow through everything. The flowers are beautiful, but the plant is very hard to get rid of.

Robin

[autumnleaf]

I've read that the sap will get rid of warts - haven't tried it mysel!

[hmk]

From my Grans old (1946) Farmers Weekly Cook Book (under 'Salves and Country Cures')

Buttercup Ointment from Miss E. Rutherford, Northumberland

Put 1/2lb vaseline into a pan with as many stemless buttercup flowers as 'can possibly be pressed into it'. Allow to simmer (not boil) for 3/4 hr. While still hot, strain through muslin into small pots. Ready for use qwhen cold and 'is very good for all skin troubles'.

I haven't tried it, but sounds interesting. I would have thought you could also use lard or a veggie version as well, as many old creams and ointments are based on it.

Hazel

PS haven't been around for ages- it's good to be back!

[Silver Ether]

Press the flowers and leaves till dry and use for artwork or making cards ...

[Silver Ether]

Been off to have a look round ...

http://earthnotes.tripod.com/buttercup.htm


I would stick to drying it or putting in a jam jar when the children have picked them

[Peggy Sue]

My auntie moved to Canada and bought some 'bedding plants' for her new house there. When they came out they turned out to be buttercups! So sell them to the unsuspecting would be a use although not that ethical!!

I keep a horse and I know buttercups are poisonous to horses so I'm not up for any risks there!

[9ball]

I can remember using them for extremely scientific experiments in my youth, concluding that, yes, I do like butter.

[frozenthunderbolt]

buttercups are the bane of several gardens that i have worked in -(poor uni student making his way ) they are the most evil and indestructable weed - dig under them and pull out by the roots, getting EVERY bit of root or they will be back.
Flip upside down on hot concrete and dry for a few days, burn them, then dance on the ashes of the fire cackeling with glee