Bermuda Buttercup

Bermuda buttercup is a sunny yellow flower that appears in many warm regions, each winter and spring.

Originally planted as an ornamental (oops), we now know that this South African invasive weed has the potential to make life quite difficult for our native species.​

Buttercup oxalis plant (MathKnight and Zachi Evenor) CC BY 3.0

Also known as sourgrass, Buttercup oxalis, Oxalis cernua, or simply oxalis, this low growing perennial is difficult to control. [The oxalis family is actually quite large and we will discuss that another day.] Close cousin to creeping woodsorrel, oxalis contains relatively high levels of oxalic acid, which is what gives it its sour taste. That is also why they should not be consumed in large quantities by livestock or your backyard chickens.

​Bermuda buttercup description

Three heart-shaped leaves that resemble clover make Bermuda buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprea) easy to identify. Most Bermuda buttercup plants have a loose rosette of basal leaves and tall stems, usually a foot tall, that feature bright yellow, 5-petalled flowers. You may see brown or purple spots on the leaves. Tiny bulblets form around the stem and more bulbs develop underground. Bermuda buttercup plants produce an average of 10 to 20 bulbs each year. Bermuda buttercup also spreads using runners and through contaminated soil.

Bermuda buttercup plant (Daniel Feliciano)

Bermuda buttercup bulbs and roots (Daniel Feliciano)

Controlling Bermuda buttercup

This weed is very difficult to control, once it takes hold. Pulling the weeds does little to eliminate them, since the bulbs left behind are perfectly capable of starting the whole process over again. While Bermuda buttercup is rarely a problem in lawns, in can quickly become a serious problem in landscapes and home gardens. In the past 10 years, this invasive weed has choked out many native plants.

Homeowners are urged to eradicate this weed, to help prevent its spread into wildlands, where permanent damage may occur. Use the methods below to control Bermuda buttercup on your property, and please educate your neighbors, before it is too late.

• dig up plants as they are seen, taking care to remove all visible bulbs [repeat as needed]
• do not use contaminated soil elsewhere in the garden, without sifting it clean
• remove flower buds as soon as they are seen, to reduce bulb development
• soil solarization is the only effective removal method.

You will rarely hear me suggest herbicides, but this is one case where their proper use may be warranted. Always read the label and follow directions exactly. Seriously.

If you really must have pretty yellow flowers in your garden or landscape, please don't let it be Buttercup oxalis.