Ranunculus hebecarpus Hook. & Arn.

Nomenclature

Ranunculus hebecarpus, commonly called the delicate buttercup, is a species of buttercup.

Native Range

It is native to western North America, where it occurs across several western United States and Baja California.

Habitat

It grows in grassland, woodland, and chaparral habitats.

Growth Form

This plant is an annual herb that grows a slender, hairy stem.

Stem Size

The stem can be just a few centimeters high, and reaches a maximum height of 30 centimeters.

Leaf Morphology

Its hairy leaves grow on long petioles, and their leaf blades are deeply lobed or split into three leaflets, which often have toothed or lobed edges.

Flower Characteristics

The flowers of this species have 3 to 5 tiny yellow petals that measure only 1 or 2 millimeters long, studded on the bulbous nectary; some flowers do not produce petals at all.

Identification Tip

This plant is easiest to identify during its fruiting stage.

Fruit Morphology

At this stage, its infructescence forms a spherical cluster of several tiny disc-shaped achenes, which have compressed, bristly sides.