While Springtime fields in Adair County and around the state may look lovely with waving grasses dotted with a sea of yellow flowers, the yellow flowers -- Buttercup, a member of the Ranunculus family -- is not welcomed by farmers. A cool season weed, this plant takes root in over grazed pastures and fields with poor stands of desirable forages. We're certainly sorry to see it in our fields.

Buttercup is toxic to all species of livestock. Animals that eat buttercup may suffer from blistering of the mouth and internal parts of the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, colic, and, in severe cases, death. Fortunately, most animals will not eat buttercup because it is unpalatable. The toxin become inactivated when dried so buttercup is not a concern in hay.