Eschscholtz's Buttercup
Ranunculus eschscholtzii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Eschscholtz's 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.
Eschscholtz's Buttercup is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a moderate level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Eschscholtz's buttercup is a compact alpine perennial that produces bright yellow flowers from May through July. This low-growing wildflower forms small clumps and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Eschscholtz's 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.
- Appears very wild and uncombed
- Unknown dormancy appearance may look messy
- Too informal for maintained landscapes
Wildlife value
The cheerful yellow blooms attract native bees and beetles during the summer months. Its compact size makes it useful for supporting pollinators in small garden spaces.
Common questions
- How much sun does Eschscholtz's Buttercup need?
- Eschscholtz's Buttercup grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Eschscholtz's Buttercup bloom?
- Eschscholtz's Buttercup blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Eschscholtz's Buttercup native?
- Eschscholtz's Buttercup (Ranunculus eschscholtzii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Eschscholtz's Buttercup toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Eschscholtz's 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 Eschscholtz's Buttercup toxic to cats?
- Yes. Eschscholtz's 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.
- Is Eschscholtz's Buttercup toxic to livestock?
- Eschscholtz's Buttercup is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (moderate severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- What pollinators does Eschscholtz's Buttercup attract?
- Eschscholtz's Buttercup draws bees and beetles.
- Is Eschscholtz's Buttercup HOA-friendly?
- Eschscholtz's 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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