Subalpine, alpine. Meadows. Summer.
Above: U.S. Basin, August 4, 2015 and July 28, 2016.
Left: Lizard Head Trail, July 6, 2005.

This is a large-flowered Buttercup common in the high country.  It ranges from three to six inches tall, and is most easily identified by the dense soft black hairs on the bracts below the flower and by the elongated and notched-on-the-tip leaves (far right center and photograph below).  Look for Ranunculus macauleyi in subalpine and alpine wet meadows, often near the edge of snow fields.

Asa gray named this species in 1879.  Lt. C. H. McCauley collected plants and butterflies in the Southwest, including in the Pagosa Springs area. (More biographical information about McCauley.)

Subalpine, alpine. Meadows. Summer.
U.S. Basin, July 28, 2016.

Ranunculus macauleyi basal leaves are long, narrow, and notched 3-5 times on their tips. Stem leaves are similar in size and notching but few and shorter.

Subalpine, alpine. Meadows. Summer.
Sharkstooth Trail, June 28, 2007 and U.S. Basin, July 28, 2016.

The dark, red/black hairs on the underside of the flower make identification certain for Ranunculus macauleyi. Also notice the hairs on the pedicel (the flower stem).

The hairiness of Ranunculus macauleyi is evident when it is no more than 3/4 of an inch tall and leaves are not yet green because they have not begun to photosynthesize. I'll never know how my wife spotted the minute cutie pictured below.