Aconite Leaved Buttercup (Ranunculus aconitifolius)
Although this is common in pasture and favours ground where it’s fertilised by cow dung the cows themselves avoid it. The name aconite refers to Aconitine which is a poisonous alkaloid produced by members of the aconite family, this acts as a neurotoxin and in high doses will cause respiratory paralysis and cardiac arrest.


Ian Spare, a Mountain Leader and International Mountain Leader Aspirant based in the Swiss Alps.

