Creeping spearwort (Ranunculus reptans, Sp. Pl.: 549 (1753))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 549 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ranunculus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic & Temp. Northern Hemisphere

Description

The Creeping spearwort, known scientifically as Ranunculus reptans, is a remarkable species found predominantly across the subarctic and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This plant falls under the family Ranunculaceae, a diverse family that includes many well-known ornamental and wild species.

Discovered and classified in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, documented in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” the Creeping spearwort has since been a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Linnaeus’ initial observations highlighted the plant’s unique adaptation to its climatic environments, providing a basis for ongoing botanical research.

Renowned for its distinctive creeping growth habit, the Creeping spearwort thrives in moist, boggy soils, often found in wetlands, shorelines, and along riverbanks where it forms extensive mats of greenery. This ground-hugging habit allows it to withstand the climatic extremes and fluctuating water levels typical of its native habitats.

Its vibrant yellow flowers, though small, are a striking feature that adds a splash of color to its environment. These blossoms not only enhance the aesthetic value of natural landscapes but also play a crucial role in local ecosystems, attracting pollinators and supporting wildlife.

The species’ resilience and adaptability make it an interesting subject for studies on ecological balance and plant behavior in harsh climates. It is a prime example of the intricate relationships within plant communities and the intricate ways in which they adapt to their surroundings.

Ranunculus reptans is more than just a plant species; it is a testament to the diversity and adaptability of life in the Northern Hemisphere’s colder regions. Its presence enriches the botanical tapestry, offering insight into the complex interactions between plants and their environments.

Common Names

Eng: creeping spearwort
Dan: krybende ranunkel, krybende ranunkel (submers form)
Deu: ufer-hahnenfuß
Nno: evjesoleie
Nob: evjesoleie
Nor: kryp-soløj, tryske
Fin: rantaleinikki
Swe: rantaleinikki, strandranunkel
Fra: renoncule rampante, petite douve rampante
Sme: gáddefiskesrássi, njuolvemieđas
Gla: glaisleun ealaidheach
Cym: llafnlys llusg, llafnlys ymlusgol
En: Creeping spearwort, Creeping buttercup, Greater creeping spearwort
Be: Казялец распасцёрты
Zh: 松叶毛茛
Da: Krybende ranunkel, Krybende ranunkel (submers form)
Et: Kaartulikas
Fi: Rantaleinikki
Fr: Renoncule rampante, Petite Douve rampante
De: Ufer-Hahnenfuß
Is: Flagasóley
Lt: Rėpliojantysis vėdrynas
Se: Gáddefiskesrássi, Njuolvemieđas
No: Kryp-soløj, Tryske
Nb: Evjesoleie
Nn: Evjesoleie
Pl: Jaskier leżący
Gd: Glaisleun Ealaidheach
Sv: Strandranunkel, Rantaleinikki
Uk: Жовтець сланкий
Cy: Llafnlys ymlusgol, Llafnlys Llusg

Synonyms

• Ranunculus flammula var. intermedius (Hook.)
• Ranunculus filiformis (Michx.)
• Ranunculus reptans var. flagellifolius ((Nakai) Ohwi)
• Ranunculus flammula var. samolifolius ((Greene) L.D.Benson)
• Ranunculus flammula var. reptans ((L.) Rchb.)
• Ranunculus flammula subsp. unalaschensis ((Ledeb.) Piper)
• Ranunculus flammula var. filiformis ((Michx.) Hook.)
• Ranunculus flagellifolius (Nakai)
• Ranunculus flammula subsp. reptans ((L.) Turcz.)
• Ranunculus reptans var. erectus (Vict. & J.Rousseau)
• Ranunculus flammula f. reptans ((L.) Ostenf.)
• Ranunculus flammula var. unalaschensis (Ledeb.)
• Ranunculus reptans var. filiformis ((Michx.) DC.)
• Ranunculus unalaschcensis (Besser ex Ledeb.)
• Ranunculus reptans var. samolifolius ((Greene) L.D.Benson)
• Ranunculus reptans var. gormanii (K.C.Davis)
• Ranunculus samolifolius (Greene)
• Ranunculus microlonchus (Greene)
• Ranunculus reptans var. intermedius ((Hook.) Torr. & A.Gray)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Chita (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Føroyar (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Montana (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Québec (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 27, 2020 by Alexia Laine (cc-by-sa)

© 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/6375524)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:300782-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ranunculus reptans L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Nonvascular

Growth