Seeds of Michigan Weeds

by W. J. Beal

CROWFOOT FAMILY. RANUNCULACEAE.

Fig 73.[Small-flowered Crowfoot. Ranunculus abortivus] L.

Small-flowered Crowfoot. Ranunculus abortivus L. Achene light brown to straw colored, 0.8–1.2 mm. in diameter, oblong, 0.3 mm. thick, when seen in cross sections, surface uneven with minute wrinkles, pits and dots flattened, broad oval to circular, three-sided, bearing the remains of a short curved style. Rich, low woods, not a common weed.

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Fig 74. [Bitter or Tall Buttercup. Ranunculus acris] L.

Bitter or Tall Buttercup. Ranunculus acris L. Achenes dull, dark brown, two-beaked, somewhat lens-shaped, 3–4 mm. long, one edge very slightly convex, the other prominently so, or somewhat semicircular in outline, hem-like margin, obscure. Introduced from Europe. Low land.

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Fig 75. [Bulbous Buttercup. Ranunculus bulbosus] L.

Bulbous Buttercup. Ranunculus bulbosus L. Achenes dull brown, nearly circular, diameter 3–4 mm.; beak short, turned to one side, surrounded by a narrow, hem-like margin. In June, many meadows of New England and New York are yellow with great numbers of flowers. Introduced from Europe. Upland; fortunately not yet common in this state.

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Fig 76. [Creeping Buttercup. Ranunculus repens] L.

Creeping Buttercup. Ranunculus repens L. Achenes plump, dull, light-brown, nearly circular, diameter 3–4 or more mm.; beak more or less hooked, hem-like margin conspicuous. This species usually seeds very sparingly, but when once introduced, it looses no time in spreading by creeping stems. Introduced from Europe. Moist land; a rapid spreader by runners.

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