Bulbous Buttercup

Scientific Name: Ranunculus bulbosus
Family Name: Ranunculaceae




Flower: 1 in. (2.5 cm.) wide shiny, yellow flower, with five petals, and five downward pointed green sepals. Stalks only produce one flower each.

Leaf: 1 – 4 in. (2.5 – 10 cm.) long basal leaves. Each leaf is divided into three lobes, with each lobe having sinuses.

Plant: Bulbous Buttercup grows 1 – 2 ft. (30 – 60 cm.) tall. But often the weight of its own leaves will bring the Bulbous Buttercup to ground level.

Identifying Characteristics: The Bulbous Buttercup's leaf deeply lobed leaves, with the central one connected to the plant stalk, distinguish it from other plants.

Location: This Bulbous Buttercup was growing in a clearing in Cold Spring Park in Newton, MA.

History and Comments: Bulbous Buttercup was introduced to the United States from Europe. When eaten fresh, Bulbous Buttercup and other members of the Buttercup family are somewhat poisonous to livestock, causing a souring or discoloration in the milk, but not death.
    Unless otherwise specified, all text, photographs, and drawings are Copyright (c) by Shu-Yee Chen and Deborah Hamer 2003. No part of this page may be reproduced without prior written consent of the authors.