Ranunculus californicus Benth.
California buttercup
Family: Ranunculaceae
Habit: Perennial, 18 to 70 cm., hairy with cauline petioles, yellow flowers.
Distribution: Scattered about open grassy woodland in coastal areas of California, Oregon and Baja California, Mexico.
Seed unit: Achene; free seed.
Seed: Achene obovoid – discoid 2 to 2.5 mm. long with stout recurved beaks, .8 mm.
Embryo: Minute to small basal embryo in fleshy endosperm.
Purity instructions: Pure seed definition:
AOSA: PSU#39 - Intact achene with or without style, hairs, and/or spines, whether or not a seed is present. Piece of broken achene larger than one-half of the original size, unless no seed is present. Seed with or without seed coat. Piece of broken seed larger then one-half the original size.
Lab notes: Achenes sometimes found in clusters, must be separated for planting.
Average pure seed units per gram: 503 seeds per gram (based on AOSA pure seed units only from two (2) samples received for testing from 2001 to 2002).
Range of percent pure seed: 94%
Range of percent inert: 4%
Description of inert: Plant material, stone.
Planting instructions: 400 seeds, TB, 21 days at 15°C; for fresh and dormant seed, prechill recommended.
References: (link to main reference page)
Hickman, J.C., Ed. 1993. p. 925.
Munz, P.A. and D.D. Keck. 1968. p. 95.
Ransom Seed Laboratory
Smith, C.F. 1998. p. 330.
