Hairy Buttercup
Ranunculus sardous
Last reviewed: June 2026
Hairy 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
full sun
Water
medium
Size
6"–18" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
LA
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Hairy buttercup is a low-growing annual wildflower that produces small yellow blooms from March through May. This compact forb thrives in full sun with moderate water needs and reaches up to 18 inches tall.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hairy 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.
- Often considered a weedy wildflower
- Dies back completely after blooming season
- May spread unpredictably as annual
Wildlife value
The bright yellow flowers attract bees and beetles during the spring blooming period, providing early-season nectar sources.
Common questions
- How much sun does Hairy Buttercup need?
- Hairy Buttercup grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Hairy Buttercup bloom?
- Hairy Buttercup blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Hairy Buttercup native?
- Hairy Buttercup (Ranunculus sardous) is native to LA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Hairy Buttercup toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Hairy 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 Hairy Buttercup toxic to cats?
- Yes. Hairy 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 Hairy Buttercup attract?
- Hairy Buttercup draws bees and beetles.
- Is Hairy Buttercup HOA-friendly?
- Hairy 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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