Lesser Celendine
Ranunculus ficaria

• Flower: Single waxy yellow flower, 1-1 1/2" wide, bilaterally symmetrical; sepals 3-4, dropping off soon after flower opens; petals 8-10, yellow, often fading to whitish; stamens and pistils many.
• Leaves: Simple, heart-shaped, glossy, on long stalks, smooth-edged or scalloped; often clustered at base of plant.
• Height: Height: 5-10", low-lying
• Habitat: Lowlying damp woods, streamsides.
• Blooms: March-May.

A garden escapee (early wildflower guides make no mention of it), it is now quite extensive; in many parts of the Rocky River valley, it has completely choked out native species. Low-lying flat areas are often densely carpeted with these in early spring.