Thriving in wet meadows, the hairy buttercup (Ranunculus sardous) creates beautiful stretches of shining, golden yellow. It is common in some years and rare in others and is a troublesome weed; during wet episodes will crowd out grass and clover, which are useful fodder crops.

The scientific species name, sardous, is thought to derive from the facial contortion, when tasted, resembling a sardonic grin: it is very bitter and is poison to both humans and animals.