Ranunculus sceleratus subsp. sceleratus

Erect, semi-aquatic, somewhat fleshy glabrous or sparsely pilose annual to c. 80 cm high. Leaves glossy, basal and cauline; lower leaves with petioles to c. 25 cm long; lamina deeply crenate to 3-lobed or trifoliolate, mostly 2–6 cm long, 3–10 cm wide, the segments sometimes again 3-lobed. Flowers usually numerous in loose terminal cymes or dichasia; sepals 5, obovate, 2–4 mm long, pilose on back, reflexed; petals usually 5, obovate to spathulate, subequal to sepals, yellow, glossy; nectary almost circular, pit-like, with a narrow marginal rim, c. 0.5 mm diam.; stamens usually c. 20. Achenes often c. 100 or more, in an elongate head, elliptic or c. semicircular, c. 1 mm long, the convex faces glabrous, faintly transversely ridged; beak minute; receptacle sparsely pilose.  Flowers Sep.–Dec.