St. Anthony's turnip
Family
RanunculaceaeScientific Name
Ranunculus bulbosus
Other Common Names:
gowan
bulbous buttercup
yellow weed
bulbous crowfoot
blister flower
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Ranunculus bulbosus var. valdepubens
Ranunculus bulbosus var. dissectus
Habit
This low growing perennial can be found flowering from May through August. In the winter, after the main plant has died, the roots continue to live until spring when the plant sprouts again
Leaves
Immature basal leaves are composed of 3 lobes. As they mature, the center lobe elongates, and grows on its own stalk while the outer 2 lobes become directly attached to the stem. Leaves on the stem tend to be smaller than basal leaves, and have less distinctive lobes. Leaf margins are lobed or toothed.
Identifying Characteristics
This plant can be identified by its 3-lobed leaves and thickened bulbous base. This plant is also poisonous, and should not be eaten.
Flower Seed Head
Each 5 to 7 petaled flower grows on the end of a stalk originating from a central stem. The yellow flowers can grow from 1/2 inch to 1 1/4 inch across.
Seed Fruit
The seeds develop in an 2-3mm wide, egg-shaped achene with a 1.5mm beak.
Where Found
This plant prefers dry open areas, and can be found growing in pastures, meadows, and other well-drained soils.
Growth Habit
Varies:
upright and nonwoody,
prostrate and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
dime,
nickle,
quarter
Dominant Flower Color
yellow
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
heart,
oval,
triangle
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
Varies:
lobed,
serrated
Leaf Structure
Varies:
simple,
trifoliate
Leaf Stalk
longer than leaf
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
Varies:
fibrous,
bulb/
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb