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 (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
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.
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 Eschscholtz's Buttercup and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.