RANUNCULUS TRIBE 



13. R. parviflorus (Small-flowered Crowfoot). Stem prostrate, 

 hairy ; seeds covered with small hooked prickles. Well distin- 

 guished by its hairiness, prostrate mode of 

 growth, and inconspicuous flowers which grow 

 opposite the leaves. Fields and waste places 

 not common. Fl. May to August. Annual. 



Most of the plants of this genus are acrid, 

 and are said to be injurious to cattle if mixed 

 largely with their food. R. flammula and 

 sceleratus are used in the Hebrides to raise 

 blisters ; these are, however, of objectionable 

 use, being likely to produce sores difficult to 

 heal. R. aquatilis is by some botanists sepa- 

 rated into several species. Another species, 

 R. alpestris, which grows on the Clova moun- 

 tains, has divided leaves and white flowers. 



6. Myosurus {Mouse-tail) 



i. M. minimus (Common Mouse-tail). A 

 small annual plant, 3-6 inches high ; petals 

 yellow ; leaves narrow, fleshy ; easily dis- 

 tinguished from every other British plant 

 by the arrangement of its ripe carpels into 

 the appearance of a mouse's tail. Found in 

 gravelly or chalky cornfields, chiefly in the Myosurus {M ouse-tail) 

 south of England. Fl. May. Annual. 



7. Trollius (Globe Flower) 



I. T. Europeans (Globe Flower). A large and handsome plant, 

 common in gardens, and growing wild in upland woods and 

 pastures in Scotland, Wales, and the north of England ; rare in 

 Ireland. The flowers are composed of about fifteen pale yellow 

 sepals, which converge into the form of a globe, enclosing the 

 petals and stamens. Fl. June, July. Perennial. 



8. Caltha (Marsh Marigold) 



1. C. palustris (Marsh Marigold, King Cup). A large showy 

 plant, resembling a gigantic buttercup ; leaves kidney-shaped, 

 large and glossy ; flowers golden-yellow, often nearly four inches 

 across. Abundant in marshes or by the sides of streams. A 

 double variety is common in gardens. Fl. Spring. Perennial. 



