Southern Indiana Wildflower Walks


Buttercup: Ranunculus

The buttercup family includes many species of common Indiana wildflowers. Most “buttercups” have five yellow petals and five green sepals, but this number may vary, as four are seen in this picture.

Buttercups are found throughout Indiana in wet areas. Their roots have been used by native Americans as an irrigant for open wounds, and its vapor inhaled to cure headaches. Buttercups have also been known to be poisonous to the touch and may cause blisters.

Sources: Wildflowers of Indiana Woodlands, by Sylvan T. Runkel and Alvin F. Bull. Copyright 1979, Iowa State University Press


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