Ranunculus inamoenus

(Graceful Buttercup)

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Ranunculus inamoenus, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 4432

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Ranunculus inamoenus, North Swan Valley, Summit Co. 2018

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Ranunculus inamoenus, Pennsylvania Ridge, Summit Co. 9526

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Ranunculus inamoenus, Lower McCullough Gulch, Summit Co. 2245

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Ranunculus inamoenus, North Swan Valley, Summit Co. 2023

Scientific Name Ranunculus inamoenus USDA PLANTS Symbol RAIN
Common Name Graceful Buttercup ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 18616
Family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup) SEINet
Reference
Click Here
Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills to subalpine (6000 to 12500 ft); moist areas along ponds, streams, wet slopes.
Plant: Erect perennial 2 to 12 inches tall, single or multiple stems with fine hairs or smooth; may be branched.
Leaves: Basal leaves on long petioles, reniform to round in outline, crenate or 3-lobed, narrow at leaf base, up to 2 inches long and almost as wide; stem leaves are sessile and deeply dissected into 3 to 7 narrow segments.
Inflorescence: Single or 3 to 7 small flowers on each stem, each less than an inch across with 5 glossy yellow petals, many yellow stamens and green center.
Bloom Period: May to August.
References: "The Alpine Flora of the Rocky Mountains" by Richard W. Scott, "Guide to Colorado Wildflowers" by G.K. Guennel and "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and SEINet.
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