Delicate Buttercup (En)
Ranunculus hebecarpus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Delicate Buttercup (En) 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
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 (En) 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.
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 Delicate Buttercup (En) and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.