Creeping Spearwort
Ranunculus reptans
Last reviewed: June 2026
Creeping Spearwort 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
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
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.
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 Creeping Spearwort and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.