Pyrenean buttercup (Ranunculus pyrenaeus, Mant. Pl. 2: 248 (1771))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Mant. Pl. 2: 248 (1771)

Year: 1771

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ranunculus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Pyrenees to N. & E. Spain

Description

The Pyrenean buttercup, or Ranunculus pyrenaeus, is a captivating member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. First described in the seminal work “Mantissa Plantarum” in 1771 by renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this perennial herbaceous plant is native to the Pyrenees and extends its range to the northern and eastern regions of Spain.

Renowned for its delicate beauty, the Pyrenean buttercup thrives in alpine and subalpine meadows, where it adorns the rugged landscapes with its vibrant yellow flowers. These blossoms typically emerge during the warmer months, creating a striking contrast against the verdant greenery of its mountainous habitats. The plant’s leaves are deeply lobed and form a basal rosette, adding to its picturesque appeal.

The Pyrenean buttercup plays a significant role in its native ecosystem. It attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are essential for maintaining the biodiversity of the region. Furthermore, its presence is indicative of healthy, undisturbed habitats, making it a valuable species for ecological monitoring.

Despite its resilience, the Pyrenean buttercup faces challenges from habitat loss and climate change. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure that this botanically and ecologically important species continues to thrive in its natural setting. Protecting its native habitats and understanding its ecological needs will be crucial in preserving the Pyrenean buttercup for future generations.

In summary, Ranunculus pyrenaeus is more than just a pretty flower; it is a vital component of the mountainous ecosystems of the Pyrenees and northern and eastern Spain, reflecting the health and vitality of these unique environments.

Common Names

Deu: pyrenäen-hahnenfuß
En: Pyrenean Buttercup
Ca: Ranuncle pirinenc
Nl: Pyreneese Boterbloem
Fr: Renoncule des Pyrénées
De: Pyrenäen-Hahnenfuß
It: Ranuncolo dei Pirenei
Es: Ranúnculo de los Pirineos
: Pyrenean buttercup

Synonyms

• Ranunculus amplexicaulis var. pyrenaeus ((L.) Bolzon)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 29, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2020 by hely (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 7, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Jean-Luc Durand (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 19, 2020 by Thomas Brisard (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 11, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 1987 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 3, 2019 by emilie vrignaud (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Dec 29, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Pierre CROUZET (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Bark

Taken Jul 4, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7774794)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:713645-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ranunculus pyrenaeus L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 2