• Iñupiaq name: Taqilakisaaq
• Family: Ranunculaceae
• Scientific name: Ranunculus nivalis
• Distinguishing characteristics: Bright green leaves grow basally (at the base of the plant), while a single brow-red stalk grows from the center and produces a bright yellow flower with five petals. 
• Similar species: Snow buttercup is very similar to marsh marigold. Both plants produce yellow flowers with five petals, but snow buttercup is a very low growing plant, while marsh marigold grows to be over a foot tall. Note: marsh marigold is also a poisonous plant, but can be eaten after boiling. 
• Habitat: Wet meadows or other wet areas. Prefers well drained rocky or sandy soil.
• Do not harvest this plant, as all parts of it are poisonous to humans.

Photos courtesy of the Grand Valley State University Arctic Ecology Program