A new classification of the Ranunculaceae is proposed. The family is delimited so as to exclude Paeonia, Glaucidium and Circaeaster and to include Hydrastis and Kingdonia, and divided into five subfamilies and 11 tribes. Subfam. Helleboroideae include 17 genera, which are classified into Trib. Helleboreae, with Subtrib. Calthinae, Beesiinae and Helleborinae, Trib. Cimicifugeae, Trib. Negelleae and Trib. Delphineae. The genera belonging to Subfam. Helleboroideae are divided into infrageneric taxa, if it is necessary.