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Cressler, Alan

Ranunculus aquatilis

Ranunculus aquatilis L.

White Water Crowfoot, White Water-crowfoot, Water Buttercup

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Synonym(s): Batrachium aquatile, Ranunculus aquatilis var. hispidulus, Ranunculus aquatilis var. typicus, Ranunculus trichophyllus var. hispidulus

USDA Symbol: RAAQ

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)

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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