Share

Native Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

Search native plant database:
Name:    
Family:    

Ranunculus abortivus (Early wood buttercup)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Ranunculus abortivus L.

Early wood buttercup, Kidney-leaf buttercup, Littleleaf buttercup

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Synonyms: Ranunculus abortivus var. eucyclus

USDA Symbol: RAAB

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

An erect to spreading biennial or short-lived perennial, 6-24 in. tall. Basal leaves are kidney-shaped; stem leaves are once- or twice-parted. Small flowers with drooping, yellow petals are numerous. A branching plant bearing kidney-shaped, basal leaves and inconspicuous, yellow flowers with drooping sepals.

With its small petals, this species does not look much like a buttercup, but its many separate stamens and pistils are typical of the genus. The species name refers to the reduced petals. At least 10 similarly small-flowered species occur in eastern North America.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Biennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: AK , AL , AR , CO , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , ID , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WA , WI , WV , WY
Canada: NB , NS , ON , PE
Native Distribution: Lab. to AK, s. to FL, TX, CO & n.e. WA
Native Habitat: Rich, moist woods; alluvial areas
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N), SPM(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Moist, rich soils.
Conditions Comments: The sap of this plant may cause a dermatitis if it come in contact with susceptible people.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Ground-foraging birds and small mammals eat the seeds.
Warning: POISONOUS PARTS: All parts. Low toxicity if eaten. Minor skin irritation lasting minutes if touched. Symptoms include burning of the mouth, abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Skin redness, burning sensation, and blisters following contact with cell sap. Toxic Principle: Protoanemonin, released from the glycoside ranunculin.(Poisonous Plants of N.C.)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Ranunculus abortivus in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Ranunculus abortivus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Ranunculus abortivus

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

Go back