Weed Scientist We have received several samples of smallflower buttercup to identify recently and our own observation is that this weed is very abundant this year. The late fall and mild winter probably enhanced its abundance and survival compared to most years. The flowers have small bright yellow petals and plants are commonly found in the lower areas of fields.
Plants have two distinct types of leaves.
The basal leaves are not lobed and have rounded teeth on the margins. The stem leaves have 3 to 5 lobes. The plant can be poisonous to livestock if consumed fresh. However, the toxic principles are lost when plants dry. Thus to avoid any risk of livestock poisoning, harvest infested areas as dry hay.