How much sun does Gmelin's Buttercup need?

Gmelin's Buttercup grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Gmelin's Buttercup bloom?

Gmelin's Buttercup blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Gmelin's Buttercup native?

Gmelin's Buttercup (Ranunculus gmelinii) is native to CO, IA, ID, IL and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Gmelin's Buttercup toxic to dogs?

Yes. Gmelin'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 Gmelin's Buttercup toxic to cats?

Yes. Gmelin'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.

What pollinators does Gmelin's Buttercup attract?

Gmelin's Buttercup draws bees and beetles.

Is Gmelin's Buttercup HOA-friendly?

Gmelin'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.

Gmelin's Buttercup

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ranunculus gmelinii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Gmelin'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.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CO, IA, ID, IL and 12 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Great Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests

Gmelin's buttercup is a low-growing native wildflower that produces bright yellow, five-petaled flowers from May through July. This moisture-loving perennial thrives in wet soils and partial sun conditions, forming small clumps that spread slowly over time.

In an HOA neighborhood

Gmelin'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.

Buttercup name carries weedy associations
Requires consistently wet conditions that may look unkempt
Very informal wildflower appearance

Wildlife value

The cheerful yellow flowers attract native bees and beetles during the late spring and summer blooming period. This native buttercup provides nectar resources when many other wildflowers are not yet in bloom.

Common questions

How much sun does Gmelin's Buttercup need?: Gmelin's Buttercup grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Gmelin's Buttercup bloom?: Gmelin's Buttercup blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Gmelin's Buttercup native?: Gmelin's Buttercup (Ranunculus gmelinii) is native to CO, IA, ID, IL and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Gmelin's Buttercup toxic to dogs?: Yes. Gmelin'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 Gmelin's Buttercup toxic to cats?: Yes. Gmelin'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.
What pollinators does Gmelin's Buttercup attract?: Gmelin's Buttercup draws bees and beetles.
Is Gmelin's Buttercup HOA-friendly?: Gmelin'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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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