About Ranunculus canus Benth.
Ranunculus canus is a species of buttercup, with the common name Sacramento Valley buttercup. This species is endemic to California. It grows in the Central Valley, adjacent mountain foothills, and the Transverse Ranges just south of the Central Valley. Its habitat includes grassland and meadows within woodland and forest areas.
This plant is very similar in appearance to the California buttercup (Ranunculus californicus), and can be difficult to tell apart from that species. It has a variable overall form. In general, it is a perennial herb that grows erect, usually hairy stems reaching up to 65 centimeters tall.
Its leaves are hairy, and each leaf is divided into three leaflets. Leaves that grow lower on the plant have wider leaflets, which can range from notched to lobed. Leaves growing higher on the stem have narrow, toothed leaflets. Its flowers hold up to 23 shiny yellow petals, with many yellow stamens and pistils at the center. Its fruit is an achene, and these achenes are borne in a spherical cluster of 11 or more.
