Allan, do you mean I'm Called Little Buttercup from H.M.S. Pinafore by Gilbert and Sullivan?

I'm called little Buttercup
Dear little Buttercup,
Though I could never tell why;
But still I'm called Buttercup,
Poor little Buttercup,
Sweet little Buttercup I.

I've snuff and tobaccy,
And excellent Jacky;
I've scissors and watches, and knives,
I've ribbons and laces to set off the faces
Of pretty young sweethearts and wives.

I've treacle and toffee
I've tea and I've coffee,
Soft tommy and succulent chops,
I've chickens and conies and pretty polonies,
And excellent peppermint drops.

Then buy of your Buttercup,
Dear little Buttercup,
Sailors should never be shy
So buy of your Buttercup
Poor little Buttercup,
Come! Of your Buttercup buy.

My notes say: "Little" Buttercup whose size is just the opposite of her name, comes aboard the ship to peddle all sorts of trinkets, knick-knacks, tobacco and delicacies to the sailors.

Back to flowers--It's fairly common here in Kentucky to refer to jonquils as buttercups or as Easter flowers.

I've also heard of various primroses referred to as buttercups.

Mary