Bristly Buttercup
Ranunculus hispidus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Bristly Buttercup is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (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 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.
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.
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.