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Ceratocephala orthocera
Synonyms: Ceratocephala orthocera, Ranunculus testiculatus.   Ceratocephala testiculata (Hornhead)
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Semi-deserts, foothills. Meadows, woodlands, shrublands. Spring.
Near Yellowjacket Canyon, March 13, 2005.

This is a very tiny but very noticeable invasive species. It may appear in small patches but often densely carpets large areas.  It flowers early in the spring when only a half inch tall; the flower gives way to a 1/4 inch layered horny seed pod that dries and becomes very prickly.

"Ceratocephala" is Greek for "hornhead" and "orthocera" is Greek for "straight horn".

Ceratocephala orthocera
Synonyms: Ceratocephala orthocera, Ranunculus testiculatus. Ceratocephala testiculata(Hornhead)
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Semi-deserts, foothills. Meadows, woodlands, shrublands. Spring.
Near Yellowjacket Canyon, March 13, 2005.

Flowers are minute but usually quite evident because they are closely packed.

Ceratocephala orthocera
Synonyms: Ceratocephala orthocera, Ranunculus testiculatus. Ceratocephala testiculata.  (Hornhead)
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Semi-deserts, foothills. Meadows, woodlands, shrublands. Spring.
Can Do Trail above Narraguinnep Reservoir, April 22, 2009.

Leaves are minutely hairy and forked.

Ceratocephala orthocera
Synonyms: Ceratocephala orthocera, Ranunculus testiculatus.  Ceratocephala testiculata (Hornhead)
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Semi-deserts, foothills. Meadows, woodlands, shrublands. Spring.
Near Yellowjacket Canyon, April 13, 2004.

These tiny 1/8 inch horny heads won't puncture your bicycle tire but don't go barefoot!  And don't kneel on them.  And ask your cat what she thinks of them!