Fig Buttercup, Lesser Celandine or Pilewort Ficaria verna These definitely look like butter

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Fig Buttercup (Ficaria verna) (DSPF0045) Fig Buttercup (Ficaria verna) (DSPF0119) Fig Buttercup (Ficaria verna) (DSPF0149) Fig Buttercup (Ficaria verna) (DSPF0303) Fig Buttercup (Ficaria verna) (DSPF0304)

Fig Buttercup (Ficaria verna) (DSPF0305) Fig Buttercup (Ficaria verna) (DSPF0306) Fig Buttercup (Ficaria verna) (DSPF0346) Fig Buttercup (Ficaria verna) (DSPF0347) Fig Buttercup (Ficaria verna) (DSPF0348)

Fig Buttercup (Ficaria verna) (DSPF0349) Fig Buttercup (Ficaria verna) (DSPF0350)

This yellow buttercup is variously called Fig Buttercup, Lesser Celandine or Pilewort, scientific name Ficaria verna (previously Ranunculus ficaria. Unfortunately, it is an invasive introduction from Eurasia including Europe, Northern Africa, Western Asia, Caucasus, and Siberia. There are extensive carpets of this plant at Carder Rock and it is becoming more common at Occoquan Bay NWR along the shoreline road.

Nature Photography, Wildlife Photography, Waterfowl Photography and Bird Photography from Marsh, River, Field and Forest Habitats. All images Copyright © 1999 - by Gerry Gantt, all rights reserved.