Etymology: Ranunculus: from Latin rana, "little frog," because many species tend to grow in moist places
Plants: drooping to creeping perennial, 5"-10" tall forb; stems arching back to the ground and occasionally rooting at the node
Leaves: basal and stem leaves much the same shape with basal the largest; mostly 3-parted into deep lobes which are then cut or toothed
Flowers: yellow, 5-8-parted, 1" wide, normally 5 sepals reflexed just above the base, petal widest above the middle and the same to 2 times as long as the sepal; solitary, stalked flowers; blooms May-June
Fruits: dry seed with almost winged margin, lance-shaped mostly straight beak
Habitat: wet; lowlands forests, meadows
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 5, Wetland Indicator = FACW+ USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key