Ranunculus acris

Identifying Features

The common buttercup contains a glossy, bright yellow flower with five overlapping petals. The leaves are attached to hairy stems and are deeply divided with five to seven segments.

Habitat & Range

The common buttercup can be found in fields and trail-sides and are widespread around parts of North America.

Behavior

Buttercups contain an oil (found in the leaves and stems) that can cause abdominal pains when ingested.

Life Cycle

Buttercups reproduce through seeds. During late winter and early spring, buttercup leaves undergo rapid growth that can withstand cold temperatures. The flower buds develop in late summer during the months of May-August.

Featured image by James Dake.