Family: Ranunculaceae
Author: Poir.
Bibliography: J.B.A.M.de Lamarck, Encycl. 6: 99 (1804)
Year: 1804
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ranunculus
Vegetable: False
Observations: NW. California, C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Low spearwort, scientifically known as Ranunculus pusillus, is a noteworthy species within the Ranunculaceae family. Originally classified by eminent botanist J.B.A.M.de Lamarck and described in detail by Poir. in the expansive Encycl. volume 6: 99, dated back to 1804, this plant has garnered attention for its distinctive features and extensive range.
Characterized by its small stature, the low spearwort is a modest but resilient herbaceous plant that thrives in a variety of habitats. It is typically found in regions with moist, well-drained soils, favoring wetlands and marshy locations where its roots can deeply establish. The plant’s presence extends across vast geographical areas, notably in Northwestern California and the central and eastern United States. Its adaptability to different environments underscores its role in the biodiversity of those regions.
Ecologically, Ranunculus pusillus contributes to the complexity and health of wetland ecosystems. Its growth patterns help in preventing soil erosion and in maintaining the moisture level of its habitat, supporting a range of animal species that rely on such environments. Moreover, the plant’s flowers, although modest in appearance compared to some of its more flamboyant relatives, are crucial to local pollinators, providing nectar and pollen.
The low spearwort’s utility isn’t only ecological. Historical uses by indigenous and local communities highlight its importance in traditional practices. While not widely known in contemporary herbal medicine, its historical applications provide a reflection of its historical value.
In summary, Ranunculus pusillus, or the low spearwort, is a small yet significant member of the Ranunculaceae family. With a presence that enriches and stabilizes its environment, this plant stands as a testament to the delicate balance of our natural world, thriving from Northwestern California to the heartlands of the central and eastern United States.
Common Names
Eng: low spearwort
En: Low spearwort
Synonyms
- Ranunculus oblongifolius (Elliott)
- Ranunculus pusillus var. typicus (L.D.Benson)
- Ranunculus pusillus var. oblongifolius ((Elliott) Torr. & A.Gray)
- Ranunculus pusillus var. muticus (Torr. & A.Gray)
- Ranunculus pusillus var. lindheimeri ((Engelm.) A.Gray)
- Ranunculus pusillus var. denticulatus (Torr. & A.Gray)
- Ranunculus pusillus var. angustifolius ((Engelm.) L.D.Benson)
- Ranunculus biolettii (Greene)
- Ranunculus tener (C.Mohr)
- Ranunculus trachyspermus var. angustifolius (Engelm.)
- Ranunculus trachyspermus (Engelm.)
- Ranunculus trachyspermus var. lindheimeri (Engelm.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- California (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken May 16, 2007 by EOL − Jorg and Mimi Fleige (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)
Taken Mar 27, 2016 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033480)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:713640-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ranunculus pusillus Poir.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb