How much sun does Creeping Spearwort need?

Creeping Spearwort grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Creeping Spearwort bloom?

Creeping Spearwort blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Creeping Spearwort native?

Creeping Spearwort (Ranunculus reptans) is native to CT, ID, MA, ME and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Creeping Spearwort toxic to dogs?

Yes. Creeping Spearwort 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 Creeping Spearwort toxic to cats?

Yes. Creeping Spearwort 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 Creeping Spearwort attract?

Creeping Spearwort draws bees and beetles.

Is Creeping Spearwort HOA-friendly?

Creeping Spearwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Creeping Spearwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ranunculus reptans

Last reviewed: August 2026

Creeping Spearwort 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 sun

Water

high

Size

4"–12" H × 8"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CT, ID, MA, ME and 11 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 452 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

Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Ridge and Valley Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Creeping spearwort is a low-growing native perennial that forms spreading mats in moist areas. It produces small, bright yellow buttercup-like flowers from May through July and thrives in consistently wet soils. This plant naturally occurs along pond edges, wetlands, and other areas with standing water.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Spreads aggressively and can look weedy
Requires consistently wet conditions that are impractical in most landscapes
May go dormant and disappear in dry periods

Wildlife value

The yellow flowers attract native bees and beetles during the late spring and summer blooming period. As a native wetland plant, it provides habitat value in water garden settings.

Common questions

How much sun does Creeping Spearwort need?: Creeping Spearwort grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Creeping Spearwort bloom?: Creeping Spearwort blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Creeping Spearwort native?: Creeping Spearwort (Ranunculus reptans) is native to CT, ID, MA, ME and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Creeping Spearwort toxic to dogs?: Yes. Creeping Spearwort 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 Creeping Spearwort toxic to cats?: Yes. Creeping Spearwort 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 Creeping Spearwort attract?: Creeping Spearwort draws bees and beetles.
Is Creeping Spearwort HOA-friendly?: Creeping Spearwort 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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