Subalpine Buttercup (Ranunculus eschscholtzii)

There are many species of buttercup throughout the northern latitudes that occupy a wide variety of habitats. Fresh plants often contain irritant oils which can cause blistering of the mouth and digestive tract though this is almost never fatal. Some buttercup species are more toxic than others and some species are used as medicinal herbs. Buttercups are considered more toxic to grazing animals than humans. Photo from near Logan Pass, Montana. July 1997