Baneberry
21. SAND BUTTERCUPButtercup Family
Ranunculus juniperinus
One of the very early blooming plants in Zion in the Transition or Upper Sonoran Zone, which often appears from mid-February to April, in bare sandy places among the Junipers and Pinyons, is the Sand Buttercup. Along the trail to the Canyon Overlook above the Great Arch is perhaps the best place to find this plant in Zion.
The flowers, a pinkish white, are found on short stems or spreading branches close to the ground. As the plants are rather small and not very showy, it takes careful searching to find them.
Sand Buttercup
22. OREGON GRAPEBarberry Family
Berberis repens
Because of its hollylike leaves, this dwarf shrub is sometimes called the Holly Grape, but it is more commonly known as the Oregon Grape. A rather prostrate growth form accounts for a third common name; namely, Creeping Barberry.
This plant is found sparingly scattered over the areas and is probably more abundant in Zion than in Bryce Canyon or Cedar Breaks. The fruit looks very much like a cluster of grapes and is often gathered for the making of jellies or wine. The woody stems were used by the Indians in making a yellow dye.