California Buttercup

Ranunculus californicus (PORTULACACEAE)

Ranun-culus,for little frog; californica of California X.
From the Latin, the diminutive form of the word "frog," named because of this plant's moist habitat. The specific name indicates a native of California. Plants are eight to twenty-four inches tall, basal leaves are up to one-and-a-half inches long, three-lobed, each lobe again lobed. The flowers are shiny to waxy in appearance.

Widespread in low, moist fields and brushy hills. Found in Tiburon, San Rafael hills, Mount Tamalpais, Tomales Bay and Point Reyes Peninsula.

Abundant: many communities.

February through June.

Sources: Wild Flowers of Marin and and Spring Wildflowers of the SF Bay Region.



-- Michael Paul Thoma

I'd value your comments. Email me at mike@thoma.com

Last updated 31 Dec, 1995.