Fun Facts About Ranunculus
The ranunculus pretty much symbolizes spring down here in San Diego County.
It is not spring for me until I see the fields in Carlsbad come alive with their majestic rainbow of colorful blooms that brighten up the road.
This year because of safety measures I had to skip the yearly visit…but luckily there are benches ( each more than 6ft apart ) all along Amada drive, right above the fields and we were able to drive to and take in the view. …and have a roadside pick nick.
Here are some Ranunculus Facts:
1- Commonly known as Buttercup, there are over 600 species of ranunculus.
2- The most common species, the Persian ranunculus, which is the variety grown at the Carlsbad field. They have ayers over layers of delicate paper-thin petals ranging in color from soft whites, pinks and yellows to fiery oranges, peach and reds.
3- Wild ranunculus can still be found in different areas of the world including Italy.
4- The word ranunculus comes from two latin words. Rana meaning ‘frog’ and unculus meaning ‘little’. It is assumed this name was fitting because they grew along streams and were as prevalent as frogs in the springtime.
5 - According to a Native American Legend, the ranunculus is also known as “coyote eyes”. It is said that a coyote was entertaining himself by throwing its eyes into the air and catching them again. An eagle suddenly swooped down and caught the coyote’s eyes in the air. With no way to see, the coyote picked two buttercup flowers and used them as eyes instead.
6 - Dried ranunculus petals were used by Native Americans to soothe body aches and sore joints.
7 - Today they symbolize affection and ever lasting love thus making them even more popular flower choice in bridal bouquets and wedding centerpieces.
8 - Unlike most flower petals that have corrugated cells, the ranunculus is quite special.
They have mirror flat cells in those soft and dainty petals. This means those cells are bouncing back light via an air gap between them. That is why, no matter what direction you are viewing this sunny bloom from, it always looks vibrantly yellow. The buttercup will reflect UV light, a special trick the ranunculus has to attract bees to pollinate it.
9 - Added Bonus: Ranunculus are very long lasting as a cut flower, if handled properly they will easily last 7 to 8 days in a vase.
Photo Courtesy of Mellano Flower Grower.
Here is one of our top selling design that uses gorgeous local peach toned ranunculus:
Arrangement available at : www.sandiegofloraldesign.com
