littleleaf buttercup
Family
RanunculaceaeScientific Name
Ranunculus abortivus
Other Common Names:
early woodbuttercup
kidneyleaf crowfoot
smallflower buttercup
smallflower crowfoot
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Ranunculus abortivus var. indivisus
Ranunculus abortivus ssp. Acrolasius
Ranunculus abortivus var. typicus
Ranunculus abortivus var. acrolasius
Ranunculus abortivus var. eucyclus
Habit
This biennial or short-lived perennial species blooms in the spring through early summer. Grows upright, to about 2ft.
Leaves
Hairless leaves have different shapes at different positions along the stem. Basal leaves are mostly kidney shaped, while upper leaves are often lobed to egg-shaped. Leaves can vary in size but are often approximately 2-3in wide and have toothed, notched, or scalloped margins. Petioles reach 5in.
Identifying Characteristics
This plant can be highly variable in appearance, but is chiefly distinguished from other buttercups by its lack of hair, kidney-shaped lower leaves, and fruit shape.
Flower Seed Head
5 yellow petals and 5 green bracts cluster around pale green to yellow carpels and a ring of stamens with bright yellow anthers. Flowers range in diameter from about 1/4-1/2in.
Seed Fruit
Rounded or egg-shaped achenes are 1-2mm wide, hairless and typically have a short (.2mm), straight-to-slightly curved beak.
Where Found
Mostly living in low areas such as woods and field in rolling landscapes.
Growth Habit
prostrate and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
pencil,
dime
Dominant Flower Color
yellow
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
round,
oval,
spatulate
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
Varies:
lobed,
serrated,
wavy
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
longer than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
fibrous
Life Cycle
biennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb