What Is the Difference Between the Ranunculus & Smilax?

Overview

• Ranunculus, also known as buttercup, is an attractive native wildflower, though some species grow as an invasive weed. The hybrid Persian buttercups (Ranunculus spp.) are the most common ranunculus planted in home landscapes. They originate in the eastern Mediterranean and are tender perennials in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 and 9, but are commonly grown as annuals in all zones. Smilax is a large group of perennial vines found in the warm climates of the world, including the southern United States. There are a number of native varieties, some of which form thorny, impenetrable thickets. These are difficult to eradicate and are seen as invasive weeds, even though they are native plants with important functions for wildlife.

Flower, Foliage and Fruit

• Ranunculus has finely divided foliage, reminiscent of celery tops or parsley in some species. However, it is entirely unrelated to these edible species and all parts of the plant are toxic to both people and pets. Buttercup is known for its soft, pale yellow flowers. However, the hybrid varieties also come in every shade of orange, red, pink and white. The petals have the texture of crepe paper and unfold in layered ruffles, making a long-lasting cut flower when brought indoors. Smilax flowers are tiny and inconspicuous; the plant is known instead for its colorful berries. The fruit can be red, blue, purple or black, depending on the species.

Growth Habit

• Smilax and ranunculus have entirely different growth habits. Smilax typically grows as a woody vine and is evergreen in the warmer parts of its range. They are generally very coarse vines, with some species rambling to 20 feet or more. The landscape varieties of ranunculus are soft-textured, tuberous perennials with a low mound of foliage and flower stalks that rise up to 2 feet. However, many of the weedy types of ranunculus grow as a tiny ground cover.

Landscape Use

• Most species of smilax are not intentionally planted in the landscape, though they can serve a role in native gardens and wildlife plantings. One species, the lanceleaf greenbrier (Smilax smallii), is particularly ornamental in winter when the colorful berries stand out agianst the deep green foliage. It has a more controlled growth habit, reaching only 9 feet in either sun or shade. The hybrid Persian buttercups are most at home in beds or planters with other annual or perennial flowers. They perform best in rich soil with regular water and fertilizer, unlike smilax which is an almost indestructible plant with no care required.