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Early Crowfoot

Ranunculus septentrionalis. Crowfoot Family.

Stems.--Sometimes upright; again trailing along the ground and forming runners. Leaves.--Three-divided; the divisions often unequally cleft. Flowers-Bright yellow; somewhat resembling buttercups. Calyx.--Of five sepals. Corolla.--Of five petals. Stamens.--Indefinite in number. Pistils.--Numerous, in a head.

Although it may be found in blossom until August, it is especially in spring that wet woods and meadows are bright with the flowers of the early crowfoot. Until we look closely at the plant we are apt to confound it with its kinsmen the buttercups. but a look at its longish petals alone will show us our error. Another and even earlier species of the crowfoot is R. fascicularis. This is especially plentiful along the hillsides. Its roots are a cluster of thick fleshy fibres.