Bill's Botanical Forays

The Curve-seed Butterwort (Ceratocephala testiculata (Crantz) Roth) is a member of the Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae) which is native to Eurasia, but has become invasive throughout much of North America (except for the South and New England).

In sagebrush communities, it is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring after the snows melt. In some areas it creates large dense yellow carpets. It can also be found in waste areas by roadsides and in other urban settings. I noticed it was invading in Spokane, where it was not there some 30 or more years ago.

 

It is generally only 0.5 to 2 or 3 inches tall. The minute flower gives way to a 0.25 inch layered horny seed pod that dries and becomes very prickly.

“Ceratocephala” is Greek for “hornhead” and “orthocera” is Greek for “straight horn”.

(Pictures taken at the Eastbound Ryegrass Summit Rest Area and between a sidewalk and a street in Spokane.)

 

Reference:

http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/Yellow%20Enlarged%20Photo%20Pages/ceratocephala%20orthocera.htm