Family: Ranunculaceae
Author: Britton
Bibliography: Trans. New York Acad. Sci. 12: 2 (1892)
Year: 1892
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ranunculus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Subartic America to N. & W. U.S.A.
Description
Macoun’s buttercup, known scientifically as Ranunculus macounii, is a notable member of the Ranunculaceae family, first described by Britton in 1892 in the Transactions of the New York Academy of Sciences. This perennial herb is native to a wide range extending from Subarctic America through northern and western regions of the United States.
One of the distinctive features of Macoun’s buttercup is its vibrant yellow flowers, which typically bloom in the late spring to early summer. The flowers usually possess five petals and can be found in clusters, casting a bright splash of color in their natural habitats. The plant thrives in damp, open environments such as meadows, stream banks, and wet woodlands, where it helps to sustain local biodiversity.
The leaves of Macoun’s buttercup are equally characteristic, usually divided into three lobes with a somewhat rounded shape, complementing the floral displays perfectly. This plant’s foliage provides an essential ecological function, supporting various insects and contributing to the complex web of life within these ecosystems.
Given its wide range, Ranunculus macounii exhibits a remarkable level of adaptability to different climates and soil conditions, although it shows a pronounced preference for moist, well-drained soils. Its resilience and adaptability make it an integral part of its native habitat, offering both aesthetic and ecological value.
Further studies and observations have continued to highlight the significance of Macoun’s buttercup in maintaining the health and diversity of natural landscapes across its range. The species not only beautifies the areas it inhabits but also serves as an indicator of environmental quality, flourishing in well-preserved ecosystems and pointing to the vitality of these natural spaces.
In summary, Macoun’s buttercup (Ranunculus macounii) is a striking and ecologically important species within the Ranunculaceae family. Its widespread presence from Subarctic America to northern and western USA underscores its adaptability and integral role in the ecosystems it inhabits.
Common Names
Eng: macoun’s buttercup
Fra: renoncule de macoun
En: Macoun’s buttercup, MACOUN BUTTERCUP
Fr: Renoncule de Macoun
Synonyms
- Ranunculus macounii var. oreganus (K.C.Davis)
- Ranunculus oreganus (Howell)
- Ranunculus oreganus subsp. macounii ((Britton) Piper)
- Ranunculus rudis (Greene)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Nunavut (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Québec (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Sep 19, 2022 by Ilaria Mosti (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Cathy Francis (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Valerie Durand (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − This image is not copyrighted and may be freely used for any purpose. Please credit the artist, original publication if applicable, and the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database. The following format is suggested and will be appreciated: Sheri Hagwood @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database If you cite PLA (public)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033430)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:713148-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ranunculus macounii Britton)
Specifications
Growth form>: Stoloniferous
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 5.0