Ranunculaceae is a family of flowering plants also known as the "buttercup family" or "crowfoot family". The family name is derived from the genus Ranunculus. Members include Anemone (anemones), Ranunculus (buttercups), Aconitum (aconite) and Clematis. Ranuncula is Latin for "little frog," the diminutive of rana.

According to the database of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the family consists of 51 to 88 genera, totaling about 2500 species. Numerically the most important genera are Ranunculus (600 species), Delphinium (365 species), Thalictrum (330 species), Clematis (325 species) and Aconitum (300 species).

Ranunculaceae can be found worldwide, but are most common in the temperate and cold areas of the Northern hemisphere. The family contains many ornamental flowering plants common to the Himalaya, some of which are of medicinal value.