Each of these may express different phenologies. What is known is undoubtedly influenced by the confusion in distinguishing this species from the more common Ranunculus occidentalis, and by the frequent occurrence of hybrids. Typical habit is "open, south- to southwest-facing grassy bluffs or rocky slopes just above the seacoast at elevations up to 150 feet" (Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg 2002).ĭetailed phenology for Ranunculus californicus in British Columbia is limited. In British Columbia, Ranunculus californicus is associated with Garry oak ecosystems, and it has been described as an indicator species for coastal prairies, which typically occur on islands and adjacent coastlines along the Pacific coast from California northwards (Denton 1978 Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg 2002). Rock/Sparsely Vegetated Rock / Rock/Sparsely Vegetated Rock / Facultative - frequent use Rock/Sparsely Vegetated Rock / Garry Oak Coastal Bluffs / Facultative - frequent use Grassland/Shrub / Garry Oak Maritime Meadow / Facultative - frequent use Hybrid plants may occupy a different niche than either parent (Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg 2003). This may separate the species from the similar but more common Ranunculus occidentalis. Ranunculus californicus appears to occupy coastal shoreline areas within reach of the salt spray. californicus (Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg (2003). Elsewhere, bees have been reported as pollinators of R. No information is available on dispersal, but it is likely that animals disperse the seeds (Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg 2003). The species commonly hybridizes with Ranunculus occidentalis where the two come into contact (Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg 2003). Ranunculus californicus is a perennial that sometimes behaves like an annual. Separating hybrids from parents is challenging. californicus (Brayshaw 1989 Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg 2002). occidentalis complex and the presence of hybrid swarms adds to the difficulty of identifying R. Additionally, the taxonomic complexity of the R. californicus has very shiny, almost shellacked-looking petals. californicus can be few-petalled (Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg 2002). occidentalis is usually five-petalled however, R. californicus is reported as being typically many-petalled, while R. Ranunculus californicus is quite similar in appearance to the common western buttercup, Ranunculus occidentalis however, the most reliable features for distinguishing between the two species are style length and shape (A. Flower heads are globose or hemispheric (Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg 2002). Basal leaf blades are broadly ovate or cordate, 3-lobed or parted to 3-lobed. Ranunculus californicus usually has an erect to prostate form and numerous, very shiny, lemon-yellow petals. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. BC Conservation Data Centre: Species Summary
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