Crowfoot family. 



Buttercups. Ranunculus acris. 



Tall Crowfoot. 



Found during June and July in meadows and fields. 



The stalk, which grows from 2 to 3 feet high, is branching, round, 

 tough-fibred, and hairy ; a strong, bright green color. 



The large leaf is cleft into 3 or 5 divisions, these again being cut 

 into 3 narrow parts, their tips thus covering the points of a pentagon ; 

 the margin is deeply and sharply notched, the ribs are noticeable, and 

 the surface is downy with soft hairs. In color the leaves are dark 

 green, lighter underneath. The lower leaves are set on long grooved 

 stems, the upper clasp the stalk with a pale, silvery and hairy sheath. 



The flower cup is formed of 5 broad petals with pointed bases ; its 

 inner surface is very shining, the outer is dull ; the color is a pure full 

 yellow. The numerous stamens are also yellow, and the many pistils 

 are bunched in a green center. The calyx is 5-parted, the divisions 

 being narrow and pointed, and spreading very wide ; it is a pale yellow* 

 green. The flowers are set on long slender stems. 



Though the wealth of bloom occurs in June when the meadow- 

 grasses tassel, the burnished golden cups stray through all the season 

 till frost-time. The bud is very round and small, and the flower grows 

 perceptibly after it has opened. 



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