319B-2-Ranunculus-plebeius-fl-Marilyn-Gray.jpg

Ranunculus plebeius

Forest Buttercup

Tufted perennial herb with spreading hairs and fibrous roots.

Additional information

  • FamilyRanunculaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size10-40 cm x 20-40 cm
  • Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
  • LeavesEgg-shaped to triangular leaves 2-7 cm wide, on stalks 5-30 cm long. Basal leaves divided into 3 deep lobes, the segments 3-lobed or toothed.
  • Flower colourGlossy yellow
  • Flowering timeOctober to February
  • FlowersErect branched flowering stems, longer than leaves, with up to 10 5-petalled flowers. Sepals hairy, bent down. Round fruit of 20-50 smooth seeds, beak to 1 mm, tip strongly curved.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist soils in foothill forests and lowlands. Semi-shade to full shade.
  • Garden useBright flower for a moist shady position in a garden.
  • Commercially availableNo information available
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
  • Related speciesRanunculus scapiger is very similar. Major distinguishing feature is the beak on the seed which is longer (1.2-2 mm) and straight or slightly curved with a short tightly recoiled tip.
Photographer/s: Marilyn Bull ©

Plant Communities

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  • 08 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest – Dandenongs (EVC 29)
  • 30 Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
  • 02 Shining Gum Montane Wet Forest (EVC 39)
  • 12 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 18)
  • 09 Myrtle Beech Cool Temperate rainforest (EVC31)
  • 01 Alpine Ash Montane Damp Forest (EVC 38)
  • 07 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 29)
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