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Ranunculus nivalis L.

8 photos.
A small alpine species known as the "snow buttercup".   All species in the genus Ranunculus are considered
toxic if eaten in large quantities and also cause skin irritation.

ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 18631


1. Mid-June.  A group of plants in an area where the snow has just
melted and the tundra has not yet turned green.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


2.  Mid-May.  Stem with stem leaf
and blossom.  Pollen is present on
the anthers.



3.  Early July.  Blossom with petals showing
signs of age.  The sepals have shriveled
and are seen behind the petals.



4.  Early June.  Top view of another blossom.
Again the sepals have dried and pulled
away from the petals.



5.  Mid-June.  Several stems with blossoms.
Note the brown hairs on the underside
of the sepal.




6.  Mid-June. Close-up top view of the
  upper blossom in photo 5 with both
yellow sepals and yellow petals
in good condition.



7.  Early July.  Side view of  stem, stem
leaf and blossom with dried sepals.





8.  Early July.  Basal leaves.


Photos 1, and 4-6 taken on the Central
side of Eagle Summit.
65°  30.08' N,   145°  22.84' W
Elev. 3700 ft.

Photo 2 taken on Eagle Summit
at the Pinnell trailhead.
65° 29.05' N, 145° 24.987' W
Elev. 3650 ft.

Photos 3, 7 and 8 Photo 2 taken at the headwaters of
Mastodon Creek just below Mastodon
Dome (north side).
65° 25.83' N 145° 20.25' W
Elev. 4000 ft.