Ranunculus longirostris, commonly known as the Longbeak Buttercup, is an aquatic perennial herb native to freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, ditches, and slow-moving streams across Canada and the United States, though it is less common in the Southeastern US. It typically grows submerged or partially floating in water. The Longbeak Buttercup is characterized by its elongated snout-like beak, which is a distinctive feature of the fruit. It produces small, yellow flowers that are not particularly showy, blooming from late spring to mid-summer. The plant’s foliage is usually finely dissected and submerged, with floating leaves being less divided.

The Longbeak Buttercup is valued for its role in aquatic and riparian ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species. It is not commonly used in traditional garden settings due to its aquatic nature but can be incorporated into water gardens or naturalized pond edges. It requires full sun to part shade and prefers to grow in shallow water or saturated soil. While not a common garden plant, it can be a unique addition to water features. Care should be taken to manage its growth as it can spread in favorable conditions, potentially becoming invasive.CC BY-SA 4.0