Blisterwort
Ranunculus recurvatus
Synonyms: Ranunculus recurvatus var. typicus
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Botanical Description
Ranunculus recurvatus, the blisterwort or hooked buttercup, is a perennial herb of the Ranunculaceae family native to moist deciduous woodlands of eastern North America. It grows 20-60 cm tall with erect, pubescent stems arising from a short rhizome with fibrous roots. The basal and lower stem leaves are long-petiolate, deeply three-lobed and sometimes nearly to the base, with the lobes cuneate and coarsely toothed; the blades reach 5-10 cm wide. Upper stem leaves are smaller and short-petiolate. Pale yellow flowers, 6-10 mm across, are inconspicuous, with five small petals barely longer than the reflexed sepals, borne on long pedicels. The diagnostic fruits are globose heads of flattened achenes, each with a strongly recurved or hooked beak that catches readily on fur and clothing, aiding dispersal. The plant contains the typical buttercup irritant ranunculin, which hydrolyzes to vesicant protoanemonin in damaged fresh tissue, causing blistering of skin and toxicity if ingested raw.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
The Cherokee employed Ranunculus recurvatus medicinally as a poultice for abscesses, as an infusion gargled for sore throat, and as an oral remedy for 'thrash' (thrush); the expressed juice was used as a sedative (Hamel and Chiltoskey, 1975). The leaves were also cooked and consumed as a potherb after thorough boiling to destroy the irritant principle. The Iroquois prepared compound decoctions of the roots taken as a laxative and for venereal disease, and a decoction of roots was taken to 'kill the worms' in sore and hollow teeth as a toothache remedy (Herrick, 1977). The Menominee boiled the roots to produce a red dye (Smith, 1923). The raw plant is vesicant and toxic; all traditional internal uses involved decoction or prolonged drying.
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.