About Halerpestes cymbalaria (Pursh) Greene
Nomenclature
Halerpestes cymbalaria is a species of buttercup commonly known by the common names alkali buttercup and seaside buttercup.
Distribution and Habitat
It is native to much of Eurasia and parts of North and South America, growing in many types of habitat, especially moist to wet areas such as marshes, bogs, and moist spring meadows.
Growth Form and Stem Characteristics
It is a perennial herb that produces several stems ranging from a few centimeters to nearly 40 centimeters long. Some stems lie prostrate against the ground, forming stolons that root in moist substrate, while other stems are erect.
Leaf Morphology
Its leaves have variable shapes: basal leaves have notched or slightly divided leaf blades borne on long petioles, and any upper leaves are much reduced in size.
Inflorescence Structure
The inflorescence bears one or more flowers on erect stalks.
Flower Features
Each flower has five to eight pale yellow petals, each less than one centimeter long.
Fruit Characteristics
The protruding receptacle at the center of the flower develops into a cylindrical cluster of fruits, each of which is an achene.
