Smallflower Buttercup

Ranunculus abortivus L.

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

basal leaves of plant ▲

flower ▲

mature flowering plants ▲▼

mature flowering plants ▲▼

Small-flowered Buttercup:  (not in Weeds of the Midwest; pp. 504-505, Weeds of the Great Plains—not in Weeds of the Northeast))

·         annual, biennial or short-lived perennial, with a rosette of kidney-shaped smooth, dark green leaves the first year, followed by elongated stalk with 3-5-lobed leaves

·         grows 6-24” tall, with small conical flowers with very short yellow petals

·         is poisonous to livestock, causing blisters, ulcers and may be linked to miscarriages in pregnant animals