Ranunculus pusillus Poiret - Small Buttercup
Family - Ranunculaceae
Stems:
Base of plant.
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
Flowers:
Flowering - March - June.
Habitat - Marshes, ditches.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This small but distinctive marsh species can be found scattered throughout Alabama and is probably more common than is reported. The plant can be identified by its habitat, thin leaves, glabrous/glaucous stems, and minute yellow flowers. The flowers have 1-3 petals and five sepals. The petals are 1-2mm long. The pedicels of the flowers become elongated in fruit.
The genus name Ranunculus means "little frog" from the Latin "ran" meaning "frog" and "culu" meaning "little". The name comes from the aquatic members of the genus that share habitat with frogs.
The species epithet pusillus derives from the Latin "pusill" meaning "very small."
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken off Hwy 21, near Big Swamp Creek, Lowndes County, AL., 3-18-06.