Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus
(Sagebrush Buttercup)
Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 6617
Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5071
Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 3672
Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 6543
Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 6572
Basal leaf, Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 6570
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 |
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| 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