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 18 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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.

Lesser Spearwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ranunculus flammula

Last reviewed: August 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 18 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests

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 18 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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