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Globe flower

Trollius

Basic Details

Description

Floral Formula

Features

Translations

Basic Details

NameGlobe flower

DescriptionCharming perennial featuring perfectly spherical, globe-shaped flowers resembling giant, double buttercups in cheerful shades of yellow, orange, or cream. Petals curve inward, creating distinctive ball shape that protects reproductive parts. Thrives in cool, moist conditions where many flowers struggle—ideal for bog gardens, pond edges, and wet meadows. Blooms spring to early summer, bringing bright color to shady, damp areas. Long-lived and low-maintenance once established in suitable conditions.

FamilyRanunculaceae

GenusTrollius

TribeAdonideae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ⚥ K5-15 C5-15 A∞ G5-15

Ebracteate (no bracts), radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), bisexual, 5-15 petal-like sepals (showy), 5-15 small petals modified into nectaries (hidden inside globe), numerous stamens, 5-15 free carpels with superior ovaries

Features

Name 'Trollius' possibly from German 'Trollblume' (troll flower) or Latin 'trulleus' (round basin) for globe shape. 'Globe Flower' describes distinctive spherical blooms. Found in cool temperate regions of Northern Hemisphere. About 30 Trollius species. Popular in European cottage gardens since medieval times
Flowers 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across, perfectly globe-shaped with 5-15 petal-like sepals curving inward. Colors include bright yellow, golden yellow, orange, and pale cream. True petals small, hidden inside globe (modified into nectaries). Blooms spring to early summer (April-June). Single flowers on tall stems above foliage
Herbaceous perennial that blooms in spring, goes dormant in heat. Prefers cool, moist conditions. Long-lived (10-20+ years). Clump-forming with attractive, deeply divided foliage. Flowers close at night and in cloudy weather. Thrives where summers are cool and moist
Grows 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall, varies by species. Clumps spread 12-18 inches. Lifespan of 10-20+ years with proper conditions. Propagated from seed (slow, 2-3 years to bloom, needs cold stratification), division (best method, divide in early spring or fall)
Native to cool temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Found in wet meadows, marshes, stream banks, and mountain areas. T. europaeus from Europe; T. asiaticus from Asia; T. laxus from eastern North America. Prefers cool, moist climates
Requires partial shade to full sun (in cool climates). Essential: consistently moist to wet soil—never let dry out. Thrives in boggy conditions, pond edges, wet meadows. Prefers cool summers. Struggles in heat and drought. Rich, humus-rich soil ideal. Hardy zones 3-7
Excellent for bog gardens, pond margins, wet meadows, and shady, moist borders. Attracts bees and beneficial insects. Deer resistant. Long-lived and low-maintenance in suitable conditions. Good cut flower. Ideal for cool, wet areas where many flowers fail. Symbolizes energy and vitality. Rare in wild in some regions

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificTrollius

English (Alternate)Buttercup, Globe ranunculus, Butterball, Goldhead, Viper's button

Hindiबटरकप (Buttercup), गोल फूल (Gol Phool), गोलाकार फूल (Golakara Phool)

Tamilவட்ட மல்லிகை (Vatta Malligai), செண்டுமல்லி (Chendumalli)

Teluguగుండ్రటి పువ్వు (Gundruti Puvvu)

Malayalamഅടക്കാമണിയൻ (Adakkamaniyan), മീറാങ്കണ്ണി (Meeranganni), മുണ്ഡരി-മുണ്ടി (Mundari-Mundi)

Kannadaಉಮಿ ಗೊಂಡೆ (Umi Gonde), ಕೆಂಪುಗೊಂಡೆ (Kempugonde)

Sanskritकुटिमा (Kuttima), क्रान्तिपुष्प (Kranthipushpa)

Bengaliগোলাপি আমরুল (Golapi Amrul)

FrenchTrolle d'Europe, Boule d'or

Russianкупальница (kupa-LIT-sa)

Spanishflor de globo, calendula silvestre, flor de alcachofa

GermanTrollblume

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula

% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G₂

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.