Early buttercup (or prairie buttercup) has show flowers that are about ¾ inch wide. It is a relatively small plant. Flowers have 5 yellow petals that are often recurved (bent backwards), about twice as long as the sepals; stamens many. Blooms March–May. Leaves are longer than broad, mostly basal, compound, 3- to 5-divided, with linear to oblong, rounded segments that may be deeply lobed, and sometimes with a few teeth. Stems and leaves often have hairs.
Similar species: There are nearly 20 species of Ranunculus in Missouri.
Height: 4–8 inches (when in flower; grows taller later).
Nearly statewide; uncommon in our northwestern counties; absent from the southeastern lowlands.
Habitat and Conservation
Occurs in dry or moist soils in open woods of uplands, rocky glades, and prairies; also near streams and in moist bottomlands.
Human Connections
This species can be cultivated in rock gardens, but be sure to get your seeds or plants from ethical nurseries.
Ecosystem Connections
Numerous types of bees, butterflies, and other insects gather nectar from these flowers, and several types of birds and mammals eat the seeds.
