Common Buttercup – 5/16/23

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/16/23

Observation Time: 3:40 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Common Buttercup

Scientific Name: Ranunculus acris

Comments: The Common Buttercup (Ranunculus acris); also called Tall Buttercup, Meadow Buttercup and Blister Plant; is a perennial forb/herb in the Ranunculaceae family. The family and genus names come from the Latin for “little frog” because this family prefers wet areas. It’s also called Tall Crowfoot because of the irregular   shape of the leaves. The species name is from the Latin for “bad tasting,” that is, acrid. This plant has a very acrid fluid (glycoside ranunculin) that discourages foraging by animals.

More Information: French Hill Pond Field Plants and Go Botany