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Alkali Buttercup

Halerpestes cymbalaria

Last reviewed: August 2026

Alkali Buttercup (Halerpestes cymbalaria)
Photo: William & Wilma Follette. USDA NRCS. 1992. Western wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. West Region, Sacramento. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Alkali Buttercup (Halerpestes cymbalaria) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AR, AZ, CA, CO and 29 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California MountainsNorthwestern Forested MountainsNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsSonoran Basin and RangeSouthern California/Northern Baja Coast

Seaside buttercup is a low-growing native wildflower that forms small mats in moist areas. It produces small yellow buttercup flowers from May through July and thrives in partial sun conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Alkali Buttercup takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Very small stature may appear weedy
  • Uncommon plant unfamiliar to most homeowners
  • May not provide expected 'landscaped' appearance

Wildlife value

This plant attracts bees and beetles during its spring and summer blooming period, providing nectar for native pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Alkali Buttercup need?
Alkali Buttercup grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Alkali Buttercup bloom?
Alkali Buttercup blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Alkali Buttercup native?
Alkali Buttercup (Halerpestes cymbalaria) is native to AR, AZ, CA, CO and 29 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Alkali Buttercup attract?
Alkali Buttercup draws bees and beetles.
Is Alkali Buttercup HOA-friendly?
Alkali Buttercup takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Alkali Buttercup? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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