Burr Buttercup

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Bur buttercup (Ceratocephalus testiculatus) has not been considered to be poisonous, but the sudden death loss of 150 ewes while grazing it prompted study of the plant. It was found that bur buttercup can be highly toxic to sheep, with a lethal dose being as little as 500 g of green plant for a 45-k. Creeping buttercup is a low-growing perennial with hairy leaves divided into three lobes. The flowers are perhaps the most identifiable feature and consist of five to 10 bright, shiny yellow petals. The flowers grow up to 1 inch in diameter and are broadly rounded at the apex.

Bur buttercup (Ranunculus testicdatus Crantz) is an alien annual species that has spread rapidly through range and crop- lands in the western United States. This species is potentially poisonous and is currently a weed in cereal grain fields. We investi- gated the germination of the achenes (seeds). Testiculata is commonly known in English as bur (or burr) buttercup, but other names include curveseed butterwort, curve-seed buttercup and little bur. Named after the inflorescences which ripen into hard, spiny fruits or burs, the generic name Ceratocephala is derived from the Greek keras or keratos meaning a horn and kephale meaning the head. Bur Buttercup Ranunculus testiculatus. Bur buttercup is a county declared weed in Converse county in Wyoming. Photo by Richard Old, XID Services, Inc., Bugwood.org.


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bur

[ber]
a form of drill used for creating openings in bone or similar hard material. Also spelled burr.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

bur

(ber), This spelling is preferred to burr.
2. In ophthalmology, a device used to remove rust rings embedded in the cornea.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

burr

A drill bit used to cut hard tissues (e.g., enamel, bone) in dentistry or orthopaedics.
Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

burr

A drill bit used to cut hard tissues–enamel, bone in dentistry or orthopaedics
McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

bur

(Burr buttercupbŭr)
A rotary cutting instrument, used in dentistry, consisting of a small metal shaft and a head designed in various shapes; used at various rotational velocities to excavate decay, shape cavity forms, and reduce tooth structure.

Burr Buttercup Picture

Burr buttercup versus puncture vine
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

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Common Name(s):

Bur Buttercup
Curveseed Butterwort

Scientific Name:

Bur Buttercup Removal

Ceratocephala testiculata (Crantz.) Bess.

Scientific Name Synonyms:

Ranunculus testiculatus Crantz.
Ceratocephalafalcata auct. non (L.) Pers.
Ceratocephalaorthoceras DC
Ranunculusfalcatus auct. non L.

Symbol:

CETE5

Description:

Life Span: Annual

Origin: Introduced

Growth Characteristics: Bur buttercup is a winter annual that emerges, flowers, and sets fruits in the spring, when temperatures climb into the 45-50 degree range. Plants only grow to be 2 or 3 inches tall. They often occur in dense mats which cover large areas of the ground.

Ceratocephala Testiculata

Flowers: Each blossom usually has 5 bright yellow petals. The flowers are very tiny, measuring less than a quarter inch long.

Fruits/Seeds: At maturity, each blossom develops into a bur, which dries and turns brown. ½ - ¾ inch long.

Leaves: Divided into finger-like segments, resembling a bird’s foot, and covered with fine hairs.

Burr Buttercup Weed

Stems: Short, leafless

Ecological Adaptions:

Bur buttercup has become widespread in gardens, small grains, pastures, waste areas, and along roadsides.

Soils: Widespread

Associated Species: Kentucky bluegrass, cheatgrass, annual crested wheatgrass

Uses and Management:

This plant contains ranunculin, which changes into a highly toxic compound, protoanemonin, when the plant is crushed. Sheep have been poisoned and have died in the western United States after ingesting aboveground plant material. This plant is considered highly toxic. Signs of poisoning include anorexia, labored breathing, diarrhea, dyspnea, recumbency, weakness, and death.

It is important to control bur buttercup stands before they produce flowers and seeds. Hoeing, pulling, and digging can control it, or it can be sprayed with 2,4-D, Ally, Banvel + 2,4-D, Finale, Liberty, or Roundup. Burning is also a good form of control, if your area permits.