Bermuda Buttercup: A Poisonous Weed in Disguise

When it comes to understanding the world of pasture management, it's crucial to be aware of the types of plants that can harm your horses or livestock. One such plant is the Bermuda Buttercup, also known as Oxalis pes-caprae, which is a type of buttercup commonly found in pastures and other areas with poor soil quality.

The Bermuda Buttercup has bright yellow flowers and grows to an average height of 14 inches, rarely exceeding that. It produces white bulbs on its stem and can have leaflets spotted with purple dots. The plant dies off during the summer months, but it regenerates in the fall from underground bulbs.

While the Bermuda Buttercup may seem like a harmless weed, it's actually highly toxic to livestock if consumed in large quantities. Oxalate poisoning is a common result of high consumption, and many farmers take steps to eliminate this plant from their farmland.

The Bermuda Buttercup is native to South Africa but has been cultivated as an ornamental plant and is now found in many parts of the world, including California. It's often used in landscape architecture and can thrive in irrigated areas, vineyards, crop fields, and urban zones.

Interestingly, the Bermuda Buttercup is also known as buttercup oxalis or shamrock-like due to its three-lobed leaves. The genus name Oxalis comes from the Greek word for 'sour,' referring to the presence of oxalic acid in the plant's tissues.

In conclusion, while the Bermuda Buttercup may seem like a harmless weed, it's actually highly poisonous to livestock and should be removed from any area where animals are present. With its bright yellow flowers and distinctive leaves, it's easy to identify, making it a crucial plant for pasture management.

Bermuda buttercup poisonous