Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Ranunculus flammula, the lesser spearwort, greater creeping spearwort or banewort, is a species of perennial herbaceous plants in the genus Ranunculus (buttercup), growing in damp places throughout the Boreal Kingdom. It flowers June/July. Ranunculus flammula is poisonous. It is very closely related to R. reptans, which is distinguished by prostrate and more slender stems, narrower leaves and smaller flowers and is sometimes included within R. flammula sensu lato as a variety (R. flammula var. reptans (L. ) E. Meyer).

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

1 - 18 in Tall

Form

Mounding

Growth rate

Moderate

Calscape icon
Color

Yellow

Flowering season

Summer

Special uses

Water features or wet habitats

Water

Moderate

Soil description

Prefers loamy or clay soils. Grows poorly in sandy soils.

Plant communities

Coastal Prairie, Red Fir Forest, Redwood Forest, Wetland-Riparian, Yellow Pine Forest

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 3 likely

Confirmed Likely

White Triangle Tortrix

Clepsis persicana

Hitched Arches

Melanchra adjuncta

Purple-Lined Sallow

Pyrrhia exprimens