Bristly Buttercup
Ranunculus hispidus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Ranunculus hispidus is a native wildflower found across eastern and central United States, blooming with bright yellow flowers from April through June. This bristly buttercup thrives in moist soils and attracts bees and beetles.
Bristly Buttercup 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Bristly Buttercup as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
6"–18" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 21 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Bristly buttercup is a low-growing native wildflower that produces bright yellow, five-petaled flowers from April through June. This compact perennial spreads slowly to form small patches and goes dormant in summer heat, leaving bare spots until the following spring.
Growing Bristly Buttercup
Grow Bristly Buttercup in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 18 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bristly 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.
- Goes completely dormant in summer leaving bare patches
- Common name 'buttercup' may trigger weed concerns
- Can spread unpredictably
Wildlife value
The cheerful yellow blooms provide early-season nectar for native bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. The plant offers important spring pollinator support during a critical time of year.
Common questions
- When does Ranunculus hispidus bloom?
- Bristly Buttercup blooms from April through June, producing bright yellow flowers that attract various pollinators.
- Where is Ranunculus hispidus native?
- This species is native to much of eastern and central United States, including states from New England south to Georgia and west to Kansas and Oklahoma.
- What pollinators visit Bristly Buttercup?
- Ranunculus hispidus attracts bees and beetles, which visit the flowers for nectar and pollen during the spring blooming period.
- What growing conditions does Ranunculus hispidus prefer?
- Bristly Buttercup grows best in medium to moist soils and can tolerate full sun to partial shade conditions.
- Is Bristly Buttercup toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Bristly Buttercup 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 Bristly Buttercup toxic to cats?
- Yes. Bristly Buttercup 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.
- Is Bristly Buttercup toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bristly Buttercup as toxic to livestock.
- Is Bristly Buttercup HOA-friendly?
- Bristly 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Bristly Buttercup and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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