Southwest Colorado Wildflowers, Ranunculus macauleyi

Because of the shape of Ranunculus flowers, bees do not pollinate them very well, but the bees do leave an abundance of pollen on the glossy petals. Dew and rain slide off the slick, shiny surface carrying the pollen to the stigmas below to fertilize them. Very clever.

The species of Ranunculus that grow in the Four Corners area are a bit difficult to tell apart; look first at the leaf shape and the height of the plant. Flower size, color, and shape are very similar and are difficult to use in distinguishing among species.

The Ranunculaceae name is ancient and probably is derived from the Latin "rana", meaning "frog" or "tadpole". Most likely the name was applied because frogs and some Ranunculaceae prefer the same moist habitat -- or the name might refer to some long forgotten perceived relationship in size, shape, smell, etc. Linnaeus named this genus in 1753.

Ranunculus macauleyi (Buttercup)
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Subalpine, alpine. Meadows. Summer.
Lizard Head Trail, July 6, 2005.

This is a large-flowered Buttercup common in the high country. It ranges from three to six inches tall, and is identified by the dense soft black hairs on the bracts below the flower and by the elongated and notched-on-the-tip leaves (far right center and photograph below). Look for Ranunculus macauleyi in meadows of the subalpine and alpine country.

Asa gray named this species in 1879. Lt. C. H. McCauley collected plants and butterflies in the Southwest, including the Pagosa Springs area. (More biographical information.)

Ranunculus macauleyi (Buttercup)
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Subalpine, alpine. Meadows. Summer.
Lizard Head Trail, July 6, 2005.

Ranunculus macauleyi (Buttercup)
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Subalpine, alpine. Meadows. Summer.
Sharkstooth Trail, June 28, 2007.

The dark, red/black hairs on the underside of the flower make identification certain for Ranunculus macauleyi.