Labrador Buttercup
Ranunculus rhomboideus
Last reviewed: July 2026
Labrador 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
low
Size
4"–12" H × 2"–8" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
IA, IL, MI, MN and 6 more states
Pollinators
beetles, bees
Prairie buttercup is a low-growing native wildflower that forms small clumps with deeply lobed leaves and bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers in late spring. This drought-tolerant perennial thrives in sunny locations and requires minimal care once established. The compact size makes it suitable for rock gardens, borders, or naturalized areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Labrador 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.
- Very small stature may appear sparse in formal settings
- Unknown leaf retention could mean unsightly dormant periods
- Wildflower appearance may be perceived as weedy by conservative HOAs
Wildlife value
The cheerful yellow blooms attract native bees and beetles during the May-June flowering period. This early-season nectar source is particularly valuable when few other flowers are available.
Common questions
- How much sun does Labrador Buttercup need?
- Labrador Buttercup grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Labrador Buttercup bloom?
- Labrador Buttercup blooms in May and June.
- Where is Labrador Buttercup native?
- Labrador Buttercup (Ranunculus rhomboideus) is native to IA, IL, MI, MN and 6 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Labrador Buttercup toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Labrador 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 Labrador Buttercup toxic to cats?
- Yes. Labrador 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 Labrador Buttercup attract?
- Labrador Buttercup draws beetles and bees.
- Is Labrador Buttercup HOA-friendly?
- Labrador 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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