Thread-leaved Water-crowfoot

Ranunculus trichophyllus

The Thread-leaved Water-crowfoot is a pretty plant that grows in water. It has thin, thread-like leaves and small white flowers that float on the surface, making ponds look beautiful.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Thread-leaved Water-crowfoot has delicate, thread-like leaves completely submerged underwater, often forming dense green masses. Small, bright white flowers, each with a yellow center, emerge just above the water surface on slender stems, contrasting with its submerged foliage.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRanunculalesFamilyRanunculaceaeGenusRanunculus

Thread-leaved Water-crowfoot

Interesting facts

Despite its delicate look, it can form dense underwater meadows, providing shelter for many tiny creatures.

If the water dries up, it can still survive for a while by rooting in the damp mud, waiting for rain!

It belongs to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, famous for its bright, often yellow, relatives!

Tiny seeds of the Water-crowfoot can hitchhike on birds' feet or fur to spread to brand new ponds!

Special abilities

Thread-leaved Water-crowfoot can grow delicate, thread-like leaves underwater, allowing it to sway with currents without damage.

This plant can produce two types of leaves—feathery underwater and broad floating ones—adapting to water depth and flow.

Thread-leaved Water-crowfoot produces oxygen during photosynthesis, enriching the water and benefiting aquatic animals.

Measurements & details

Height: 10-100 cm
Spread: 30-150 cm
Flower Size: 0.5-1.5 cm
Bloom Season: Spring_summer
Edible: No
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Visits flowers for nectar.

eaten by

Mallard duck

Anas platyrhynchos

Dabbling ducks feed on plant parts.

shelters

Three-spined stickleback

Gasterosteus aculeatus

Provides cover for small fish.

eats

Freshwater shrimp

Gammarus pulex

Grazes on plant detritus.

Traits

Ornamental

Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.

Grass-Like

Grass-like plants are herbaceous plants that visually resemble true grasses, typically having long, narrow leaves.

Summer Blooming

Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.