Scientific Family
Ranunculaceae
Other common names
water buttercup
white buttercup
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
Batrachium aquatile
Height
Prostrate 8 to 24 inches
Riparian
Yes
Submerged or floating stems generally form fairly dense beds.
Leaves mostly petioled (with stalks); flower stalk not recurved at fruiting time; flower receptacle bristly; style 0.2 to 1.2 mm; achenes 15 to many, bodies 1 to 2 mm; submersed leaves generally 3 to 6 dissected; perennial herb.
Habitat
Shallow water in ponds, lake margins, marshes, ditches and slow-moving streams.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
3300
High elevation
7500
Flower Characteristics
Waxy flowers are held on stalks slightly above water. Bloom period is dependent on water temperature.
Flower color
White with yellow centers
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
August
Flower clusters
None
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
2 types of leaves are present. Thread-like underwater leaves and floating leaves which appear scalloped. The stems are entirely submerged and roots can form at the nodes.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Other
Leaf margin
Other
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Achenes are cross-corrugated and smooth with a persistent beak.
Fruit type
Achene