Ranunculus lobbii (Hiern) A.Gray

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

Ranunculus lobbii is a buttercup species in the family Ranunculaceae, commonly called Lobb's buttercup or Lobb's aquatic buttercup.

Distribution

It is native to scattered locations in western North America, with confirmed records from British Columbia, Oregon, and northern California.

Growth Form and Habitat

This species is an aquatic annual herb that grows in a range of shallow water habitats, including forest ponds and vernal pools.

Stem Characteristics

It produces submerged stems 20 to 80 centimeters long that may float at the water surface.

Submerged Leaf Structure

The leaf blades on submerged portions of the plant are very small and split into thread-like segments.

Aerial Leaf Structure

Leaves that grow on stem sections exposed to air have a very different structure, developing into larger, more robust leaves.

Flower Petals

Its flowers typically have five white petals around half a centimeter long.

Flower Reproductive Parts

The center of the flower holds numerous stamens and pistils.

Fruit Characteristics

The fruit it produces is an achene, arranged in a spherical cluster.