Ranunculus abnormis

Perennial of the Ranunculaceae family, Ranunculus abnormis is a species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, mainly known from the Spanish Pyrenees, the Cantabrian Mountains, and some massifs in central Spain. It grows on rocky lawns, stabilized scree, and gravelly slopes at altitude, generally between 1,500 and 2,500 meters, on calcareous or mixed substrates.

The plant forms small low and spreading tufts, rarely reaching 10 to 15 cm in height. The basal leaves are narrow, linear to lanceolate, entire or very slightly divided, which clearly distinguishes it from most buttercups with deeply cut leaves.

The flowers are a bright and vivid yellow, widely open, with a number of petals often exceeding five, giving them a particularly remarkable natural semi-double appearance. The center is occupied by a dense cluster of yellow stamens. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from May to July depending on the altitude.

This characteristic of supernumerary petals, which earns it its epithet abnormis, is a constant peculiarity and not an occasional anomaly, making this species immediately recognizable in the field.

In cultivation, it requires a sunny exposure, well-drained, stony soil, and protection against stagnant winter moisture. It is suitable for a calcareous rock garden in full sun.