MICHIGAN WEEDS. 



339 



CROWFOOT FAMILY. RANUNCULACEAE. 



Mostly herbs of greatly diversified forms pervaded by acrid juice, a few woody vines; 

 parts of the flower free and distinct from each other: some poisonous and used for med- 

 icine; in the north temperate zone a considerable number blossom in early spring, such 

 as hepatica, anemone, butter cup, columbine, marsh marigold, globe flower, hellebore, 

 rue anemone. About 1,050 species widely distributed, but few in tropical regions. 



Fig. 81 (71). 



Tall Buttercup or Crowfoot. Ranunculus acris L. Erect, hairy, perennial, GO-90 

 cm. high; leaves three-divided, each division three-cleft; petals yellow, shining. Fields 

 and moist meadows and waste places, becoming common. Introduced from Europe. 



