globeflower, common name for any plant of the genus Trollius of the family Ranunculaceae (buttercup family), hardy perennials of north temperate meadows and swamps. Their blossoms are larger than those of the familiar yellow buttercup and may be white, yellow, orange, or purple. T. europaeus, with flower parts incurved in a globe shape, is most commonly cultivated. Globeflowers are classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Ranunculales, family Ranunculaceae.