Lesser Spearwort
Ranunculus flammula
Last reviewed: June 2026
Lesser Spearwort 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Lesser Spearwort as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, CT and 19 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Lesser spearwort is a low-growing native perennial that thrives in moist to wet conditions with partial shade. It produces small, bright yellow buttercup-like flowers from May through August. This plant works well in rain gardens, pond edges, or other consistently damp areas of the landscape.
In an HOA neighborhood
Lesser Spearwort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires consistently wet conditions that may create maintenance issues
- Can spread aggressively in ideal conditions
- May look unkempt or weedy to conventional landscaping standards
Wildlife value
The cheerful yellow flowers attract bees and beetles during its long blooming season. Its seeds may also provide food for waterfowl and other birds in appropriate wetland settings.
Common questions
- How much sun does Lesser Spearwort need?
- Lesser Spearwort grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Lesser Spearwort bloom?
- Lesser Spearwort blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Lesser Spearwort native?
- Lesser Spearwort (Ranunculus flammula) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 19 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Lesser Spearwort toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Lesser Spearwort 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 Lesser Spearwort toxic to cats?
- Yes. Lesser Spearwort 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.
- Is Lesser Spearwort toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Lesser Spearwort as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Lesser Spearwort attract?
- Lesser Spearwort draws bees and beetles.
- Is Lesser Spearwort HOA-friendly?
- Lesser Spearwort 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.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Lesser Spearwort and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz