Creeping Buttercup

Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) is probably the most ubiquitous plant of the area. It can be found in all kinds of habitat: in the redwood forest, marsh and even in flower beds. It is rather conspicuous plant with deeply lobed dark green leaves and bright yellow flowers.

Creeping buttercup at the Arcata marsh

The plant is poisonous and cows avoid eating it as it does not taste good. Strangely enough though, when it is dried with hay, the toxins disappear.

Creeping buttercup flower

Buttercup belongs to Buttercup family  (Ranunculaceae).