Technical Abstract: A native North American buttercup is currently being called by three names in the literature: Ranunculus gelidus, R. karelinii, and R. grayi. Accurate communication of scientific work and other information about these plants requires a stable, well documented nomenclature, so the three names and the taxonomic placement of the plants to which they belong were investigated to ascertain the correct name for the species. Ranunculus gelidus is found to be the correct name for an endemic species of central Asia and the name R. karelinii is nomenclaturally invalid. The correct name for the North American plant is R. grayi. Since the literature on plants is indexed by the scientific name, correct nomenclature allows information on these organisms to be accessed accurately and thoroughly, ensuring that the work of botanists, land managers, and conservation organizations is based on full and accurate information on the plants.