Delicate Buttercup
Ranunculus hebecarpus
Last reviewed: July 2026
Delicate 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.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, ID, OR, WA
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Ranunculus hebecarpus is a low-growing native buttercup that forms compact clumps with bright yellow flowers. This small perennial blooms from May through July and stays under a foot tall, making it suitable for front borders or rock gardens. It prefers full sun and moderate water conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Delicate 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.
- May appear weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping preferences
- Buttercups can have negative associations despite being native
- Small size may look sparse in formal front yard settings
Wildlife value
This native buttercup attracts bees and beetles during its spring and early summer bloom period. The flowers provide nectar and pollen for native pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does Delicate Buttercup need?
- Delicate Buttercup grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Delicate Buttercup bloom?
- Delicate Buttercup blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Delicate Buttercup native?
- Delicate Buttercup (Ranunculus hebecarpus) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Delicate Buttercup toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Delicate 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 Delicate Buttercup toxic to cats?
- Yes. Delicate 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.
- What pollinators does Delicate Buttercup attract?
- Delicate Buttercup draws bees and beetles.
- Is Delicate Buttercup HOA-friendly?
- Delicate 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.
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