Ranunculus ___, May 29, 2023
June 11, 2023
Common & scientific name
_______ buttercup, Ranunculus ________
Family
Buttercup, Ranunculaceae
Location
Twin Lakes, 9,250’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
Many of us can recall holding a buttercup up to a friend’s chin and seeing its yellow reflection. This glossy-reflective property on the outside (but not innermost part) of the buttercup’s petals is water repellent, causing dew or rain to drain off and leave pollen floating just at the level of the stigmas and thus aiding pollination. Most beautiful adaptations are, indeed, useful, as well!
As for this particular buttercup . . . found in a wet but currently dry meadow next to Twin Lakes, heart-shaped, scalloped basal leaves and clustered simple leaves on stem. Possibly R. glabberimus or R. macounii, but still determining with certainty its species. Feels different than R. inamoenus.