Bit like an 'overgrown buttercup', sometimes called kingcup. It belongs to the Ranunculaceae. It is a perennial, growing to a height of 60 cm. The clumps make a brilliant splash of colour in early Spring. Five (+) yellow petal-like sepals, with lots of (yellow) stamens.

The leaves have long stalks (petioles), some describe the leaves as kidney shaped. They are dark green, somewhat glossy / shiny. Stems may be hollow.