Pygmy buttercup (Ranunculus pygmaeus, Fl. Lapp.: 157 (1812))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: Wahlenb.

Bibliography: Fl. Lapp.: 157 (1812)

Year: 1812

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ranunculus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic Eurasia, European Mts., C. Japan (Mt. Shirouma), Subarctic America to N. Utah

Description

The Pygmy Buttercup, scientifically named Ranunculus pygmaeus, is a charming yet resilient member of the Ranunculaceae family. First documented in 1812 by Wahlenb. in “Flora Lapponica,” this diminutive plant thrives across various harsh and austere environments.

Ranunculus pygmaeus is prevalent throughout subarctic regions of Eurasia, extending its reach to the rugged terrains of European mountains. Its adaptability is further demonstrated by its presence in Central Japan, most notably on Mt. Shirouma. In North America, it stretches its habitat from the subarctic zones down to northern Utah, showcasing its robust nature.

This plant’s small stature belies its tenacity and ability to survive in some of the most unwelcoming climates. It is precisely these challenging conditions that have shaped the Pygmy Buttercup into a species of notable interest to botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Nno: dvergsoleie
Nob: dvergsoleie
Swe: dvärgranunkel, pikkuleinikki
Fin: pikkuleinikki
Eng: pygmy buttercup, dwarf buttercup
Sme: deaggafiskesrássi
Fra: renoncule naine, renoncule nain
En: Pygmy buttercup, Dwarf Buttercup
Ar: حوذان قزم
Cs: Pryskyřník trpasličí
Nl: Dwergboterbloem
Fi: Pikkuleinikki
Fr: Renoncule naine, Renoncule nain
De: Zwerg-Hahnenfuß
Is: Dvergsóley
It: Ranuncolo pigmeo
Se: Deaggafiskesrássi
No: Dvergsoleie
Nb: Dvergsoleie
Nn: Dvergsoleie
Pl: Jaskier karłowaty
Sv: Dvärgranunkel, Pikkuleinikki

Synonyms

• Ranunculus pygmaeus var. typicus (L.D.Benson)
• Ranunculus baerianus (Boguslaw)
• Ranunculus tappeineri (Bamb.)
• Ranunculus pygmaeus var. petiolulatus (Fernald)
• Ranunculus pygmaeus var. langeanus (Nath.)
• Ranunculus areolatus (Petrie)
• Ranunculus pygmaeus var. kamtschaticus (Regel)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Austria (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Chita (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Montana (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Poland (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Québec (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Svalbard (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Utah (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jul 16, 1997 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2015 by Andrzej Pasierbinski (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2015 by Andrzej Pasierbinski (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2022 by Manolo Nicasio (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bishop L.E. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 16, 2009 by EOL − Michal Hroneš (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033446)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30253244-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ranunculus pygmaeus Wahlenb.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth