Pronounced (approximate): rah-NUN-kyoo-lus flah-bel-LAIR-is
Yellow five-petalled flowers rise above shallow water. Submerged leaves are divided into fine segments.
Yellow Water Buttercup (Ranunculus flabellaris): flower details. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Ranunculaceae
Life cycle Perennial
Blooms April–June
Height 6 to 18 inches above water
Habitat part shade, sun; shallow, calm water, muddy ditches
Common names: Yellow Water Buttercup
Bloom timing varies with latitude, weather and local conditions.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
part shade, sun; shallow, calm water, muddy ditches. Flowering season: April–June.
Small Yellow Water Crowfoot has smaller flowers and less finely divided underwater leaves. Include underwater foliage when possible.
Yellow five-petalled flowers rise above shallow water.
Submerged leaves are divided into fine segments.
Emergent foliage can be more broadly divided. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
7 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Native in North America.
Reported U.S. distribution
AL, AR, CA, CT, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY
Includes native and introduced state records where listed; a state record does not imply occurrence in every county.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Yellow Water Buttercup in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.