Bristly buttercup (Ranunculus hispidus, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 321 (1803))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 321 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ranunculus

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Bristly buttercup, scientifically known as Ranunculus hispidus, is a prominent member of the Ranunculaceae family, a sizeable family of flowering plants. First described in detail in Michaux’s notable 1803 work, Flora Boreali-Americana, this species has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for centuries.

Ranunculus hispidus, with its bristly and somewhat forbidding appearance, thrives in diverse habitats across central and eastern Canada, extending its reach into the eastern United States down to North Carolina. This geographical spread signifies its versatility and resilience in various environmental conditions.

Characterized by its conspicuous, bristle-covered foliage and stems, the bristly buttercup often finds itself competing for space in meadows, woodlands, and other moist, shaded areas. Despite its somewhat rugged appearance, it produces vivid yellow flowers that stand out against the greenery, offering a splash of color that delights observers from spring through early summer.

The robust nature of Ranunculus hispidus is further evident in its adaptive strategies, including a historical capacity to weather varying climate conditions within its expansive range. This adaptability ensures its continued presence, making it a fascinating subject of study for those interested in plant ecology and floristics.

While often admired for its botanical characteristics, it’s important for enthusiasts to handle this species with care, as its bristles can cause minor skin irritation. Nevertheless, its role in regional ecosystems, providing both habitat and aesthetic value, underscores its ecological significance.

In summary, the bristly buttercup (Ranunculus hispidus) not only enriches the biodiversity of the temperate regions in North America but also serves as a testament to the complex interplay between plant species and their environments. As noted in historical botanical literature, its enduring presence and characteristic features continue to be of interest to those passionate about the natural world.

Common Names

Eng: bristly buttercup, hispid buttercup, rough buttercup
Fra: renoncule hispide
En: Bristly buttercup, Hispid buttercup, Rough buttercup
Fr: Renoncule hispide

Synonyms

• Ranunculus hispidus var. typicus (L.D.Benson)
• Ranunculus repens var. hispidus ((Michx.) Chapm.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 8, 2021 by malot w (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2021 by Sarah Darling (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2019 by Kat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by Rena Woode (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2019 by Jason Weyland (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 29, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 19, 2021 by Sarah Darling (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by Rena Woode (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 19, 2014 by EOL − Christopher Tracey (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 14, 2014 by EOL − toddnoel91 (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 10, 2014 by EOL − dsuarez (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 20, 2013 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 23, 2013 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Mar 7, 2021 by Lily Jones (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 29, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033479)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:712908-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ranunculus hispidus Michx.)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Stem

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 4.5