How to Identify Celery-leaved Buttercup

To identify Celery-leaved Buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Green stems and leaves; pale yellow flowers.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deeply lobed, celery-like basal leaves, Small, pale yellow flowers with 5 petals, Numerous stamens and pistils, Hollow, branched stems

Dorsal fin

N/A

Tail fin

N/A

Pectoral fin

N/A

Distinctive fins

N/A

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Leaves

   Basal leaves are deeply divided into three main segments, which are further lobed or toothed, resembling celery leaves. Stem leaves are smaller and less divided.

2. 2

   Flowers

   Small (5-10 mm diameter), pale yellow, with 5 petals that are often shorter than the sepals. The receptacle (center of the flower) is elongated and bears numerous achenes (small, dry fruits).

3. 3

   Stem

   Hollow, erect, and branched, typically growing 10-60 cm tall.

4. 4

   Habitat

   Look for it in very wet, often muddy, disturbed areas.

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