Bulbous Buttercup

(Ranunculus bulbosus)

Bulbous Buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus L.)

Alien: Native of Europe.

Identification: Flowers yellow with most commonly 5 large, waxy petals. Sepals reflexed (pointed downward). Stem hairy. Leaves highly divided, the leaf segments relatively short and stubby. Leaf basically consisting of three major segments, the apical segment on a stalk. Plant arising from a bulb-like root. Plant 6 to 18 inches in height.

Distribution: Throughout eastern North America. Also occurs along the Pacific Coast.

Habitat: Bulbous Buttercup is found in roadsides, fields, and meadows.

Flowering period: April to June.

Similar Species: Bulbous Buttercup is most likely to be confused with Common Buttercup. The sepals of Bulbous Buttercup point downward. The leaves of Bulbous Buttercup have much stubbier segments and the apical major lobe is borne on a stalk.