[4] It is a herbaceous, stoloniferous perennial plant growing to 50 cm (20 in) tall.

The basal leaves are compound, borne on a 4–20 cm (1+1⁄2–8 in) long petiole and divided into three broad leaflets 1.5–8 cm (1⁄2–3+1⁄4 in) long, shallowly to deeply lobed, each of which is stalked, distinguishing the species from Ranunculus acris in which the terminal leaflet is sessile.

[5] The leaves higher on the stems are smaller, with narrower leaflets and may be simple and lanceolate.

Creeping buttercup has three-lobed dark green, white-spotted leaves that grow out of the node.

In Ireland: very common in damp places, ditches and flooded areas.