CLASS XIII. ORDER VI. 241 



leaves in three divisions with many segments, the 

 upper ones linear. 



Distinguished by its superior height, being usually about two 

 feet high. Root fleshy, resembling the last, but smaller in pro- 

 portion to the plant. Root leaves large, hairy divided into 

 three or five diverging lobes, which are again repeatedly sub- 

 divided, ending in acute segments and teeth. Petioles hairy, 

 especially at their ends. Uppermost leaves in three entire, 

 linear segments. Stem erect, branching. Flower stalks round, 

 not furrowed. Calyx spreading under the petals, not reflexed. 

 Petals large, shining, yellow. Seeds in globular heads. This 

 plant spreads rapidly, and is exceedingly troublesome in mead- 

 ows and mowing ground. Being cut with hay it would no doubt 

 be pernicious to cattle, were not its acrimony lost by drying. It 

 flowers all summer. — Perennial. 



Ranunculus repens. L. Creeping Crowfoot. 



Calyx spreading ; flower stalks furrowed ; scions 

 creeping ; leaves compound. L. 



The flowers of this and the two last are very similar, and con- 

 founded under the common name of Buttercups. An attention 

 to the calyx and flower stalks readily distinguishes them. In 

 this the leaves are mostly ternate, lobed and toothed, often 

 marked with a light spot at their sinuses. The plant sends out 

 long, prostrate stems or runners, which sufficiently distinguish 

 it from the others. Flower stalks furrowed as in Ranunculus 

 bulbosus, calyx spreading as in Ranunculus acris. Petals bright 

 yellow, often emarginate. — Shady places. — Flowering all sum- 

 mer. — Perennial. 



Ranunculus Pennsylvanicus. L. Bristly Crotofoot. 

 Rigidly hispid; stem erect; leaves ternate, trifid ; 

 cut and toothed ; calyx reflexed ; styles of the fruit 

 straight. 



A large, branching, small flowered species, covered throughout 

 with stiff horizontal bristles. Petals yellow, not longer than the 

 calyx. Fruit in oblong heads. — In woods and meadows. — June, 

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