Alkali Buttercup
Halerpestes cymbalaria
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halerpestes_cymbalaria
Overview
Halerpestes cymbalaria is a species of buttercup known by the common names alkali buttercup and seaside buttercup. It is native to much of Eurasia and parts of North and South America, where it grows in many types of habitat, especially in moist to wet areas such as marshes, bogs, and moist spring meadows. It is a perennial herb producing several stems a few centimeters to nearly 40 centimeters long.
Some are prostrate against the ground and are stolons which root in moist substrate, and some are erect. The leaves are variable in shape, the basal ones with notched or slightly divided leaf blades borne on long petioles, and any upper leaves much reduced in size. The inflorescence bears one or more flowers on erect stalks.
The flower has five to eight pale yellow petals, each under a...
The Alkali Buttercup faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized alkaline wetland environments. Human activities including agricultural conversion, water diversion, and urban development have significantly reduced the availability of suitable saline and alkaline habitats this species requires.
Habitat
Other threatened species in Ranunculaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Alkali Buttercup classified as Endangered?
Where does Alkali Buttercup live?
What are the main threats to Alkali Buttercup?
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