Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus

(Sagebrush Buttercup)

_DSC1056%20copy

Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 6617

_DSC1056%20copy

Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5071

_DSC1056%20copy

Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 3672

_DSC1056%20copy

Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 6543

_DSC1056%20copy

Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 6572

_DSC1056%20copy

Basal leaf, Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 6570

_DSC1056%20copy

Stem leaf, Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 6568

Scientific Name Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus USDA PLANTS Symbol RAGLE
Common Name Sagebrush Buttercup ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 18606
Family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup) SEINet
Reference
Click Here
Description Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (5100 to 10000 ft); moister areas on slopes and in meadows.
Plant: Low perennial with one to several smooth, prostrate or ascending stems; up to 7 inches tall; each stem with 1 to 4 flowers.
Leaves: Basal leaf blades elliptic to oblanceolate entire to deeply 3-lobed, 3/8 to 2 inches long and less than 3/4-inch wide, gradually tapering to a petiole one to several times as long; stem leaves are simple or cleft into 3 linear lobes.
Inflorescence: One to a few flowers on smooth pedicels up to 4 inches long; flowers about an inch across with 5 glossy yellow petals turning white with age; 5 spreading, reddish-tinged sepals; many yellow stamens and green center.
Bloom Period: April to June.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, "The Alpine Flora of the Rocky Mountains" by Richard W. Scott, Flora of North America and Montana Plant Life.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains