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Hairy Buttercup

Ranunculus sardous

Last reviewed: June 2026

Hairy Buttercup (Ranunculus sardous)
Photo: Kristian Peters -- Fabelfroh 11:51, 16 June 2007 (UTC) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Hairy 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

medium

Size

6"–18" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

LA

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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.

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 Hairy Buttercup and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.