Shiny, beautiful things

Ranunculus cardyophyllus, May 29, 2023

June 11, 2023

Common & scientific name

Heart-leaved buttercup, Ranunculus cardiophyllus

Family

Buttercup, Ranunculaceae

Location

Twin Lakes, 9,250’

Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact

Many of us can recall holding a buttercup up to a friend’s chin and seeing its yellow reflection. This glossy-reflective property on the outside (but not innermost part) of the buttercup’s petals is water repellent, causing dew or rain to drain off and leave pollen floating just at the level of the stigmas and thus aiding pollination. Most beautiful adaptations are, indeed, useful, as well!

This buttercup was found in a wet but currently dry meadow next to Twin Lakes, with heart-shaped, scalloped basal leaves and divided stem leaves.