Ranunculus glacialis L. (Glacier buttercup, glacier cowfoot)

Mika's Webpage

Ranunculus glacialis L. are a species of the order Ranunculales, buttercup family Ranunculaceae Juss., subfamily Ranunculoideae, tribe Ranunculeae, and genus Ranunculus Linneaus. The Buttercup family includes 50 gnera and 1900 species.
There are two varieties associated with the Ranunculus glacialis L., and information on them is found here; further information on keying these varieties can be found here. A variety retains many of the dominant characterisitcs in a species, but is different in either flowering or leaf pattern which makes it unique from the specific population. Other common buttercup plants include the meadow buttercup and bulbous buttercup, with distinguishing root characteristics.

Ranunculus repens
(creeping Buttercup)

Characteristics: Ranunculus glacialis L. are herbacious perrennials with characteristic white and yellow flowers. They can be
        vine-like as well, like the Ranunculus repens or creeping buttercup pictured above. Notice in the picture the five petals,
        characteristic of buttercups, along with their actinomorphic, or demonstrating radial symmetry, flowering pattern. Ranunculus,
        within Ranunculaceae house a characteristic platform for insect pollinators to utilize as they hunt for nectar. In
        Ranunculoideae, one carpel contains a single ovule. The fruit is characterized as an achene, follicole and rarely berry. The tribe
        Ranunculeae contain alternate leaves and caducous calices.

The scientific formula for these plants are as follows: K 5 C 5 A infinite G infinite.

Habitat: These plants are native to only one part of the United States, Alaska. They also inhabit the temperate regions of Asia,
        northern ans eatern Europe, and the northern part of the Americas like Greenland as well. As is typical of buttercup, they are
          very resiliant to harsh conditions and can live in many arctic places and areas of high altitude. Their resilience deems them a
          weed to most, while their varieties are cherished by many other horticulturalists.

Economic contributions: Some people have utilized Ranunculaceae as herbal remedies, mixing them together with other herbs for    homeopathic medical use. They produce certain toxins which are poisonous to most grazers and can irritate the skin if handled extensively.

Ranunculus glacialis (taken from Calphoto)

Ranunculus glacialis L.- Aren't thses flowers B-E-A-Utiful?!!

The purpose of this webpage was to provide an easier venue for the student actively compiling information on Ranunculus glacialis. I hope it serves useful and complements information presented by the Wikipedia page on this glacier buttercup. The link to the wiki page can be found here.

Links to more Ranunculus goodness: