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Ranunculus alismifolius
Ranunculus alismifolius Geyer ex Benth.
Plantainleaf Buttercup, Water-plantain Buttercup, Meadow Buttercup
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: RAAL
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
A shiny green perennial, 1-2 ft. high. The leaves are simple and round or lance-shaped. The waxy, five-petaled flowers are showy and bright yellow, grouped in rounded heads.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Achene
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: CA , CO , ID , MT , NV , OR , UT , WA , WYNative Distribution: B.C. to w. MT, s. to n. CA & CO
Native Habitat: Muddy banks; moist mt. meadows
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Moist to wet soils.
Benefit
Warning: POISONOUS PARTS: All parts. Low toxicity if eaten. Minor skin irritation lasting minutes if touched. Symptoms include burning of the mouth, abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Skin redness, burning sensation, and blisters following contact with cell sap. Toxic Principle: Protoanemonin, released from the glycoside ranunculin.(Poisonous Plants of N.C.)Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Propagation
Description: May be divided or increased by seed.Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACW | OBL | FACW |
Web Reference
Webref 37 - Calscape (2019) California Native Plant SocietyWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Ranunculus alismifolius in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Ranunculus alismifolius in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Ranunculus alismifolius
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-23Research By: TWC Staff