cursed buttercup
Family
RanunculaceaeScientific Name
Ranunculus sceleratusOther Common Names:
celery-leaved crowfoot
cursed crowsfoot
Habit
Grows upright to about 2ft tall
Leaves
Lower leaves have 3-5 deep lobes and are 1-6in wide with blunt teeth. Leaves become less-deeply lobed going up the stem, with upper leaves potentially oval to lanceolate in shape. Leaves typically have long petioles. Leaves are succulent and can be hairless to silky.
Identifying Characteristics
This species has a hollow stem. Its life cycle is typically short-lived perennial, but can be annual. Key characteristics include succulence and silky hairs, if present.
Flower Seed Head
Upper stems terminate in small flower clusters. Individual flowers are marked by large, nearly cylindrical clusters of pistils. These green pistils are surrounded by a small ring of short stamens and then 5 yellow petals and 5 yellow-green sepals. Flowers are around 0.3in across.
Seed Fruit
Small achenes are smooth, often spongy, and without beaks. Achenes measure less than 1mm across.
Where Found
Typically in wet areas like marshes, ditches, and stream banks.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
pencil,
dime
Dominant Flower Color
yellow
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
Varies:
has hairs,
no hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
lance,
oval,
triangle
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
lobed
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
longer than leaf
Stem Hairs
Varies:
has hairs,
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
fibrous
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb