smallflower buttercup

Family

Ranunculaceae

Scientific Name

Ranunculus parviflorus

Other Common Names:

small flowered crowfoot

stick-seed crowfoot

Habit

Though it often grows in clumps or mats, this species can mature to roughly 1ft in height.

Leaves

Leaves typically have 3-5 lobes or clefts and measure up to 1in across. Leaf margins can be scalloped to toothed. Long petioles are present, especially on lower leaves.

Identifying Characteristics

Small flowers and very hairy stems characterize this species.

Flower Seed Head

Solitary, axial flowers grow at the end of 2mm-long pedicels, which connect at the base of the newest leaves. Pale yellow flowers are up to 2mm across.

Seed Fruit

Small, egg-shaped achenes are up to 2mm across and have hooked spines.

Where Found

This species mostly grows in fields, roadsides, pastures, and other disturbed areas.

Growth Habit

Varies:

upright and nonwoody,

prostrate and nonwoody

Thorns or Spines

not present

Approximate Flower Diameter

pencil

Dominant Flower Color

yellow

Flower Symmetry

radial symmetery

Leaf Hairs

has hairs

Leaf Shape

Varies:

round,

heart

Leaf Arrangement

alternate

Leaf Margin

Varies:

lobed,

serrated,

wavy

Leaf Structure

simple

Leaf Stalk

longer than leaf

Stem Hairs

has hairs

Stem Cross Section

round or oval

Milky Sap

not present

Root Structure

fibrous

Life Cycle

summer annual

Ochrea

not present

Plant Type

Herb