White water crowfoot (Ranunculus aquatilis). In ponds and streams, Nova Scotia to British Columbia, south to North Carolina and Florida. Also in Europe and Asia (After Britton & Brown)
field image of Ranunculus abortivus SMALL-FLOWERED BUTTERCUP at the James Woodworth Prairie Preserve - a stand during bloom; due to small size and thin leaves, this species is difficult to see in its natural setting, unless a 'lone sentinel' specimen is found
close up image of Ranunculus abortivus SMALL-FLOWERED BUTTERCUP at the James Woodworth Prairie Preserve - showing several blooms, flower buds, and seed pods