Ranunculus eschscholtzii Schltdl.

Growth Form

Ranunculus eschscholtzii is a perennial herb that grows one or more erect stems, reaching up to 20 to 25 centimeters in height.

Lower Leaf Structure

Its lower leaves have somewhat rounded leaf blades, each divided into a few lobes, and grow on long petioles.

Upper Leaf Structure

Any upper leaves on the plant are smaller and do not grow on petioles.

Foliage Texture

The leaf and stem tissue of the plant is hairless, and sometimes has a waxy texture.

Inflorescence Structure

The inflorescence consists of one to three flowers growing on narrow pedicels.

Flower Morphology

Each flower has five to eight oval or rounded shiny yellow petals up to 1.5 centimeters long, arranged around a central nectary that holds many stamens and pistils.

Fruit Characteristics

The fruit is an achene, borne in clusters of 17 or more achenes.

Distribution Range

This plant is native to a large area of western North America, ranging from arctic northwestern Canada and Alaska in the north down to California and New Mexico in the south.

Habitat

It grows in meadows and on talus on high mountain slopes, as well as in other open rocky habitats.