Gmelin's Buttercup
Ranunculus gmelinii
Last reviewed: June 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
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 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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