Ranunculus sceleratus L.

Cursed Buttercup; Cursed Crowfoot; Celery Leaf Buttercup

Herb

Annual

Vascular

Cursed Buttercup is an annual in the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). It is unknown if it is native to eastern North America of if it was introduced from Europe. In Alabama it has been found statewide. It occurs in shallow water or on mud along streams and ponds, and in low fields and pastures. Cursed Buttercup is an annual from a large mass of cord-like roots. Stems are erect, hollow, green, and glabrous. Leaves are basal and cauline. The basal leaves are long petiolate and often float on the surface of the water. Leaves are reniform to semicircular in outline and three lobed. The lobes may be divided again and have crenate or crenate-lobed margins. The stem leaves are alternate and smaller in size. The upper-most leaves are often sessile and unlobed. Flowers are produced at the apex of the stems. The receptacles may be glabrous or pubescent. There are five shiny yellow petals and 3-5 reflexed sepals. The fruit is an achene, which are in cylindrical heads. The beak of the achene is straight. Cursed Buttercup is a serious weed in low fields and pastures. The foliage of Cursed Crowfoot is toxic if eaten, and the sap can cause rashes and blisters on the skin.--A. Diamond

**

Native OBL (NWPL)

**