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Alkali Buttercup

Halerpestes cymbalaria

Last reviewed: June 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)

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra NevadaCentral California ValleySouthern California/Northern Baja CoastCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeSonoran Basin and Range

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.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Alkali Buttercup fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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