California buttercup facts for kids
Quick facts for kids California buttercup |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ranunculus
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| Species: |
californicus
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The California buttercup, also known by its scientific name Ranunculus californicus, is a beautiful yellow flower. It belongs to the buttercup family, called Ranunculaceae. This plant naturally grows in California. You can often find it in many different places there, like chaparral and woodlands, which are types of wild areas.
This buttercup grows across many different natural areas in California. It can also be found north in Oregon and south in Baja California. You might even spot it on the islands between British Columbia and Washington, on the Channel Islands of California, and in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
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What Does the California Buttercup Look Like?
The California buttercup can grow quite tall, up to about 70 centimeters (or 2.3 feet) high. Its bright yellow flower is usually 1 to 2 centimeters (about 0.4 to 0.8 inches) wide. Each flower has between 7 and 22 shiny petals that look like tiny teardrops. These lovely flowers grow on long, green stems that don't have leaves.
Different Kinds of California Buttercups
Just like some animals have different breeds, plants can have varieties. The California buttercup has two main varieties:
- Ranunculus californicus var. californicus
- Ranunculus californicus var. cuneatus
Growing California Buttercups
People sometimes grow the California buttercup in their gardens. It is popular as an ornamental plant, which means it's grown for its beauty. It's especially used in gardens that focus on native plant species.
See also
In Spanish: Ranunculus californicus para niños
