VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Ranunculus glaberrimus | Sagebrush Buttercup 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Sagebrush buttercup is primarily used by wildlife species early in the
year because palatability decreases as the plant matures [11].  Deer and
elk feed on sagebrush buttercup in the early spring before other, more
preferred forage species become available [2].

Domestic livestock also utilize sagebrush buttercup during the early
spring, although the plant is usually gone before these animals reach
the range [11].  All species of Ranuculus are reported to have an "acrid
taste" and, depending on the species, plant part, and season, may
actually be toxic to cattle and horses [11].  The toxic substances are
volatile, however, and are dissipated during the drying process, which
renders them harmless in hay [11].

Due to its small stature, prostrate growth form, and patchy
distribution, sagebrush buttercup provides little cover for wildlife.


PALATABILITY : 
Palatability of sagebrush buttercup is highest in the early spring and
decreases until the plant disappears from the range in midsummer [11].
The palatability and degree of use by livestock and wildlife species for
sagebrush buttercup (var. ellipticus) in several western states has been
rated as follows [3]:  

                      CO       MT       ND       UT       WY
Cattle               Poor     Poor     Poor     Fair     Poor
Sheep                Poor     Fair     Fair     Fair     Fair
Horses               Poor     Poor     Poor     Poor     Poor
Pronghorn            ----     Good     ----     Poor     ----
Elk                  ----     Fair     ----     Fair     ----
Mule deer            ----     Fair     ----     Fair     ----
Small mammals        ----     ----     ----     Fair     Fair
Small nongame birds  ----     Fair     ----     Poor     ----
Upland game birds    ----     Good     ----     Fair     Fair
Waterfowl            ----     ----     ----     Fair     Poor


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
Sagebrush buttercup (R. g. var. ellipticus) is rated fair in energy and
protein value [3].


COVER VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Sagebrush buttercup has low potential for erosion control and for long-
and short-term revegetation projects [3].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
NO-ENTRY


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Species: Ranunculus glaberrimus | Sagebrush Buttercup