This common biennial species is also called the kidney-leaf or little-leaf buttercup. The yellow flowers of this member of the buttercup family are tiny and inconspicuous—only about ¼ inch in diameter. Although there are other small-flowered buttercup species in eastern United States, this is the most common. It is easy overlooked because it is not a showy species. Thus it belongs in my “be it every so humble” category. Look carefully for this tiny flower along the trail.

The 5 yellow petals of this species are very small, often reflexed (bent back) or drooping downwards. Each stem can bear up to 50 of these flowers, but the actual number is usually fewer. There are also 5 green sepals. In the center is a cluster of green carpels, and a ring of stamens with yellow anthers. Like other buttercups, this species has bushy stamens. A variety of insects feed on the nectar of this little flower and help with pollination.

Although the hairless stems are slim, the plant can grow from 6-24 inches tall. The basal leaves are roughly kidney-shaped and often roughly toothed.  These leaves have petioles up to 3 inches long. The cauline leaves are alternate and slimmer and often divided into 3 to 5 lobes, especially towards the bottom of the stem. The leaf pattern is distinctive and makes it easy to identify this species.

The small-flowered crowfoot normally grows in woods or damp thickets, but does well in disturbed areas where it can become a bit weedy. The species can bloom throughout the growing season spring to early summer. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant. It is known to grow throughout the northern, eastern and central parts of North America, though populations in the Southeast and Midwest tend to be scattered. It is found in every county of Pennsylvania.

Native Americans ate the leaves and used the plant for several medical conditions, but most buttercups are toxic and thus consumption should be avoided.