Marsh Crowfoot.Ranunculus septentrionalis.
Found during May and June growing in moist meadows, beside runlets.
The large, round, hollow stalk grows between 1 and 2 feet high; it branches, and often lies somewhat upon the ground; it is finely grooved, and light green in color.
The compound leaves are 3-divided; each of the leaflets of the lower leaves is provided with a short foot-stem, they are wedge-shaped, broad, and the margins are cut and notched; those of the upper leaves are long and narrow, of unequal size, with entire margins. The texture is loose, the upper surface very hairy, the underside shining; color, a mottled green, lighter underneath.
The large flower is like a shallow cup formed of 5 oval petals, of fine texture and shining with an exceeding gloss; their color a full orange-tinted yellow. The stamens are many, and orange-yellow; the numerous pistils are gathered into a round green center. The calyx is 5-parted, shorter than the petals; greenish-yellow. The flowers are set on short stems, in terminal groups.
After flowering, the plant throws out from the root long, thick, pale runners; these bear an occasional leaf, at the joint of which a new root forms.