Early Buttercup
Ranunculus fascicularis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Early 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
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, GA and 26 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Early buttercup is a low-growing native wildflower that produces bright yellow, five-petaled flowers in April and May. This compact perennial forms small clumps and goes dormant by midsummer, disappearing completely until the following spring. It thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Early 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 by midsummer leaving bare spots
- Common name includes 'buttercup' which may sound weedy to HOAs
- Very short bloom period followed by long dormancy
Wildlife value
The cheerful yellow blooms provide early-season nectar for native bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. This makes it particularly valuable for supporting pollinators emerging from winter dormancy.
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 Early Buttercup and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.