Etymology: Ranunculus: from Latin rana, "little frog," because many species tend to grow in moist places
Plants: erect to creeping, perennial, 6"-36" tall, hairy forb, occasionally rooting at the node
Leaves: basal and stem leaves much the same shape with basal the largest, wider than long, mostly 3-parted into deep lobes which are then cut or toothed, the end segment stalked
Flowers: yellow, 5-8-parted, 1/2"-1" wide, normally 5 sepals, petals widest above the middle and the same to 2 times as long as the sepals; solitary, stalked flowers; blooms May-June
Fruits: dry seed with ribbed to almost winged margin, lance-shaped mostly straight beak
Habitat: medium moisture to moist; upland, lowland, swamps, marshes
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 6, Wetland Indicator = FAC 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.