"Ugly?" Not!

Ranunculus inamoenus, June 9, 2021

Ranunculus inamoenus, June 9, 2021

R. inamoenus, NY trail, 11,100’, June 27, 2021

R. inamoenus, NY trail, 11,100’, June 27, 2021

Common & scientific name
Graceful buttercup, Ranunculus inamoenus

Family
Buttercup, Ranunculaceae

Location
Lower Lost Man, 10,500

Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact

Wonderful that this flower’s common name, Graceful buttercup, has effectively, by popular vote, overruled its scientific name, which translates as “unattractive” or “ugly” buttercup.”  With its shiny, sunny flowers and interesting leaves—basal leaves rounded, stem leaves deeply cut—it definitely deserves better!