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Blisterwort

Ranunculus recurvatus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Blisterwort (Ranunculus recurvatus)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1989. Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Blisterwort is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–18" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 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

South Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Blisterwort is a low-growing woodland wildflower that produces small yellow buttercup-like flowers from April through June. This shade-tolerant perennial forms modest clumps with deeply lobed leaves and thrives in partially shaded areas with average moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Blisterwort 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 wild, weedy appearance
  • Inconspicuous flowers may not look intentionally planted
  • Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the spring blooming period. Seeds may provide food for small birds and woodland creatures.

Common questions

How much sun does Blisterwort need?
Blisterwort grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Blisterwort bloom?
Blisterwort blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Blisterwort native?
Blisterwort (Ranunculus recurvatus) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Blisterwort toxic to dogs?
Yes. Blisterwort is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Blisterwort toxic to cats?
Yes. Blisterwort is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does Blisterwort attract?
Blisterwort draws bees and beetles.
Is Blisterwort HOA-friendly?
Blisterwort 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.

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