When this attractive plant becomes well established, it can smother large areas of turf. It is also quick to fill in where the turf is thin. Creeping buttercup develops numerous stolons, which may be up to three feet in length. Each joint can take root and develop many new plants. Leaves are dark green, divided into three segments and each leaflet is in turn divided into more segments. The central leaflet is always on a terminal stalk. The flower of creeping buttercup is a bright yellow, with five to seven petals. It thrives in the Northeastern states and is also abundant in the Pacific Northwest.