In my neighborhood, the first wildflower to bloom in the spring, is the Sagebrush Buttercup. This tiny specimen was growing along a rural country road all cozy tucked in near a rock, drawing warmth in the in eastern Oregon sunshine near Hereford.

Ranunculus glaberrimus
Sagebrush buttercup
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
A small fleshy plant with most of the leaves at the base and shiny yellow flowers, resembling a cup of butter. Native Habitat: Mostly among sagebrush and in open pine woods.
Among the first wildflowers to bloom in the spring. The very smooth, rather fleshy leaves are characteristic. The toxin in buttercups is unstable and is rendered harmless by drying or boiling the leaves.
Plant Characteristics: perennial; Habit: herb; Leaf Color: green; Bloom Color: yellow; Bloom Time: March – June.
Native Distribution: British Columbia to northern California; east to New Mexico, Nebraska, and North Dakota.

Blue Mountain Blessings Photography
Betty E Duncan
Kodak Z712IS Zoom Digital