Early Buttercup (Ranunculus fascicularis)

      Early Buttercup is a native, perennial wildflower, about six inches tall and six inches wide. Its yellow flowers are about 3/4-inch wide. The flowers have five petals that are often bent backwards. The leaves are longer than wide, compound and usually basal. Leaflets are up to an inch long and lobed into three to five parts. It grows in dry areas where there is sparse ground vegetation in sun or partial shade. It can be found in hill and sand  prairies, meadows, rocky and sandy savannas, disturbed areas, and fields. Hummingbirds are among its pollinators. (EW)