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Ranunculus aquatilis L.

Water buttercup, White water crowfoot, White water-crowfoot

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Synonyms: Ranunculus aquatilis var. hispidulus

USDA Symbol: RAAQ

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

White water-crowfoot or water buttercup is an aquatic perennial, often growing in dense patches. The submerged stems are 8-24 in. long or longer and bear both submerged and floating foliage. The submerged leaves are divided into narrow, palmate divisions. The floating foliage is three-parted, each lobe again divided. Myriad waxy, white flowers are borne just above the surface of the water. Submerged and floating stems generally forming fairly dense beds with white flowers held on stalks slightly above water.

This plant is also found in Europe. The genus name, from the Latin rana (frog), refers to the wet habitat of some species.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AK , CA , ID , MT , NV , OR , UT , WA , WY
Canada: BC , PE
Native Distribution: AK to CA, e. to MT & CO
Native Habitat: Ponds, ditches & slow streams
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Aquatic: yes
Soil Description: Shallow water.
Conditions Comments: The bloom period of water buttercup is regulated by water temperature. In natural areas, cold water coming off mountain snowbanks delays flowering and thus extends the season.

Propagation

Description: Not Available
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
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Additional resources

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

Metadata

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

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