Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Ranunculus sceleratus is a species of buttercup known by the common names cursed buttercup and celery-leaved buttercup. It is native to North America and Eurasia, where it grows in wet and moist habitat, including ponds and streambanks. It is an annual herb growing up to half a meter tall. The leaves have small blades each deeply lobed or divided into usually three leaflets. They are borne on long petioles. The flower has three to five yellow petals a few millimeters long and reflexed sepals. The fruit is an achene borne in a cluster of several.

Plant type

Annual herb

Size

1 - 2 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Fast

Calscape icon
Color

Yellow

Flowering season

Spring

Water

Moderate

Soil description

Adaptable, tolerant of sand, loam and clay.

Plant communities

Northern Juniper Woodland, Sagebrush Scrub, Wetland-Riparian

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 2 likely

Confirmed Likely

White Triangle Tortrix

Clepsis persicana

Hitched Arches

Melanchra adjuncta