Bristly buttercup (Ranunculus hispidus), is a perennial wildflower native to Wisconsin. It thrives in moist environments such as swamps, stream banks, and marshy areas. This species is well adapted to wet conditions and plays a role in local ecosystems by providing food and shelter for small insects and animals.
The plant varies in height, typically growing between six and two feet tall, though the one in the photo was just a few inches tall, and that is usually how I find it in its native habitats. Its flowers are bright yellow, usually measuring between three-fourths of an inch to one inch across. Each flower consists of five glossy petals that catch the sunlight, adding to the visual appeal of this wildflower, as well as making it difficult to photograph. The flowers grow solitarily on long, hairy stalks, giving them a somewhat delicate appearance despite their rugged adaptations.
The stems of bristly buttercup are light green and covered in long, spreading hairs. This characteristic gives the plant its name, as the bristly texture is a defining feature. The leaves of the plant are typically trifoliate, meaning each leaf consists of three separate leaflets. These leaflets can grow up to four inches long and are usually divided into three distinct lobes, enhancing the plant's visual complexity.
Bristly buttercup starts blooming in May, making it one of the many wildflowers that signal the arrival of spring and early summer in Wisconsin. It prefers growing in damp areas where moisture is abundant, allowing it to flourish without competition from plants adapted to drier conditions. While visually appealing, the plant contains mild toxins that can cause skin irritation and digestive discomfort if ingested, a common trait among members of the buttercup family.
Ranunculus translates to "little frog," a reference to the plant's preference for wet environments, similar to the habitat of many amphibians. Despite its toxicity, bristly buttercup plays an important role in its ecosystem by supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which rely on its flowers for nectar.
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