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There are 18 species of Ranunculus in Texas. These are perennial
or annual herbs with a sharp, bitter taste. The stem leaves
are alternate, with palmlike veins, and are deeply lobed or
dissected. The basal leaves usually have a distinctly different
shape. Flowers are arranged in fan-shaped clusters. They usually
have five glossy yellow petals and give rise to a small, dry
fruit.
Distribution and habitat
There are two or more species of buttercup in every vegetational
region of Texas. However, significant populations are usually
found only in the eastern third of the state. Virtually all
of the species require ample water and are found in seeps,
mud flats, along ditches or in standing, shallow water.
Regions: 1, 2,
3, 4,
5, 6,
7, 8,
9, 10
.
Toxic agent
All species are thought to contain a glycoside at various
concentrations that is converted to protoanemonin, which acts
as a blistering agent. The levels of glycoside increases greatly
as the plants mature and reach the flowering stage. Because
protoanemonin is not stable, the plant is not a problem in
hay. Although the toxin content varies widely within and among
species of buttercup, a large amount of plant material is
usually required to cause clinical signs with the species
growing in Texas.
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Livestock
signs
The signs of poisoning are those of severe gastrointestinal
irritation and include:
• Red and/or ulcerated oral tissues
• Salivation
• Blood-tinged milk
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Depression or excitation
• Convulsions
• Death
Most cases of buttercup poison-ing in Texas are not life threatening.
Horses consuming buttercup can die from colic.
Integrated management
strategies Poisoning can usually be prevented by not forcing
animals to consume buttercup at flowering. Some pastures
must be vacated to prevent diarrhea. These may be used for
hay if enough forage such as ryegrass is mixed with the
buttercup.
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