Ranunculus sardous CRANTZ – Rauhaariger Hahnenfuß – eine kennzeichnende Art der Außendeichsweiden an der Wurster Küste

During research at the Wurster coast in the north of Lower Saxony we discovered Ranunculus sardous in pastures outside the dikes. This species is very rare in our region. In other parts of Germany it mostly grows in fields. In former times this pioneer plant was found in Central Europe and also in Northwest Germany showing a scattered distribution. Since about 50 years it shows a distinct retreat. Today you can find this species in Lower Saxony only in three areas: in the marshes of Ostfriesland and the estuaries of Weser and Elbe. In these places it grows as a characteristic species of flooded grasslands.