Hemieva ranunculifolia
Buttercup-leaf suksdorfia
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Family: Saxifragaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Hemieva ranunculifolia (Buttercup-leaf suksdorfia) is a native California herb in the Saxifragaceae family, recognized by Range edge species extending south from British Columbia/Montana, with California populations representing the southern limit.
Buttercup-leaf suksdorfia is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges and northern Sierra Nevada/Cascade Range Highlands in Plumas County, growing on moist rocky slopes at elevations of 1,500 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces white flowers 2 to 4 millimeters long in small, flat-topped clusters with 15 or fewer flowers. Growing 10 to 30 centimeters tall with a scaleless caudex that bears small bulblets, it develops delicate stems with both basal and stem leaves. Its distinctive leaves are 1 to 4 centimeters wide, ovate with a heart-shaped base, divided into three deep lobes with coarse, rounded teeth that have sharp tips. The plant forms two follicles as fruit, with ovaries more than half-buried in the flower's base.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Range edge species extending south from British Columbia/Montana, with California populations representing the southern limit
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist rocky slopes
Elevation: 1500-2500 m
California counties: Humboldt, Placer, Trinity
Outside California: to British Columbia, Alberta, Montana
Bloom period
Hemieva ranunculifolia blooms Jun-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Bolandra: Hemieva leaves are cut nearly to the base; Bolandra leaves are lobed but connected at the center; vs Heuchera: Hemieva has fewer than 15 flowers in flat-topped clusters; Heuchera has many flowers in branched pyramids; vs Pectiantia: Hemieva leaves are deeply dissected; Pectiantia leaves are lobed but not cut nearly to base; vs Mitellastra: Hemieva leaves are cut nearly to the base; Mitellastra leaves are lobed but connected at the center; vs Ozomelis: Hemieva leaves are cut nearly to base; Ozomelis leaves are lobed but connected at center
Frequently asked questions
Is Hemieva ranunculifolia native to California?
Yes. Hemieva ranunculifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Hemieva ranunculifolia bloom?
Hemieva ranunculifolia blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Hemieva ranunculifolia grow?
Hemieva ranunculifolia occurs in Humboldt, Placer, Trinity, at elevations of 1500-2500 m.
What plant family does Hemieva ranunculifolia belong to?
Hemieva ranunculifolia is in the Saxifragaceae family, genus Hemieva.
Is Hemieva ranunculifolia rare or endangered?
Hemieva ranunculifolia carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.