• East view from Crissy Field overlook with old Coast Guard station on left and city on right

    Presidio of San Francisco

    California

California Buttercup

(Ranunculus californicus)
 
Buttercup flower
Waxy yellow flowers of the California Buttercup in the Ecology Trail near Inspiration Point
Will Elder, NPS
 

Origin Of Genus Name: Ranunculus is Latin for "little frog" from its preference for wet habitats.

Presidio Locations: Found on serpentine bluffs and grasslands in wet areas.

Range In State: Throughout California.

Description: This native, perennial species has waxy yellow flowers and leaves that are wedge shaped, toothed to deeply cut and hairy. Blooms March to August.

Native Californian Uses: The Miwok dried, stored, parched, and pulverized seeds, using them for food.

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Did You Know?

Fort Point, once called "Fort Winfield Scott"

In 1882, the fort now known as Fort Point was given the name "Fort Winfield Scott", a name it retained for four years before being downgraded to a sub-post of the Presidio. In 1912, the name was reused for the new coast artillery post at the Presidio, today's Fort Scott.