Snow buttercups as seen in moist meadows along the upper portion of the South Fork Conrad Creek between Warm Lake and the terminus of the Meade Glacier, Goat Rocks Wilderness........July 23, 2016.
Snow buttercups as seen in moist meadows along the upper portion of the South Fork Conrad Creek between Warm Lake and the terminus of the Meade Glacier, Goat Rocks Wilderness........July 23, 2016.
Photo at right of snow buttercup.
Snow buttercup is a very attractive buttercup, often found in dense clumps, with somewhat succulent leaves and stems. It frequently may be found blooming in areas recently uncovered by snow melt. The leaves are mostly basal and are ternately (3-times) to palmately divided. The leaf lobes are wedge shaped, and are often 3-lobed. The stem leaves are divided into narrowly elliptical-shaped segments.
The bright yellow flowers are found singly at the tips of the stems. The five shiny yellow petals are up to 2 cm long and wide. The sepals are green. Numerous yellow stamens and numerous, tiny green pistils are found at the center of the flower.
Snow buttercup is found in moist mountain meadows, and amidst moist talus slopes.
Snow buttercup is a widespread species, found throughout the mountainous west, from Alaska south to California, and east to the western approaches of the Great Plains.
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Snow buttercup
Leaf of snow buttercup.