Also known as: Swamp Crowfoot, Wood Buttercup, Crowfoot, Ranunculus septertrionalis. Crowfoot/Buttercup (Ranuncluaceae) Family.

Color Variations: The plants shown here appear to have white streaks on the flowers. This is not a camera error, but actually excellent camera work. This species is differentiated by the glossyness of the flowers, which is shown well here. As the flower ages, white streaks may develop, however. All are yellow. Some texts divide the species into three varieties.

Commentary: This species of buttercup is particular to bottomlands and swamps which may contain temporary standing water. The plant grows in monospecies patches which may be 15 to 20 feet across and reach such size in less than 8 years. Swamp buttercup blooms early and stays in bloom for over a month. Towards the end of the blooming span, each plant sends out numerous of runners which find open ground and expand the colony. The swamp buttercup is pernicious and will overtake other plants quickly, including dandelions and even small evergreen trees!

The shape of the cup is shown below for clarification. Notice the characteristics of the flower, especially the reflexed sepals.

Common associates include Wild Geranium, Adder's Tongue, Prairie Trillium, and Cut-Leaved Toothwort.

Precautions & Uses: None found.

Soil Preferences: 5.0-6.0

References: Swink & Wilhelm 628-9, Wampler & Wampler 14, Peterson & McKenney 132-133, Peattie 187, Pepoon n778.

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