How much sun does Little Bur need?

Little Bur grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Little Bur bloom?

Little Bur blooms in April, May, and June.

Is Little Bur toxic to dogs?

Yes. Little Bur 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 Little Bur toxic to cats?

Yes. Little Bur 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 Little Bur attract?

Little Bur draws bees and beetles.

Is Little Bur HOA-friendly?

Little Bur takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Little Bur

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ranunculus testiculatus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Little Bur is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). 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 × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Little Bur

Little Bur is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Ranunculus testiculatus is a small annual wildflower that grows 4-12 inches tall with a compact spread. It produces bright yellow buttercup-like flowers from April through June and thrives in full sun with minimal water requirements. This low-growing plant completes its entire life cycle in one growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Little Bur 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.

Dies back completely after seed set, leaving bare spots
Can spread aggressively and may be considered weedy
Common name 'bur buttercup' suggests spiny seed pods

Wildlife value

This plant provides nectar and pollen for bees and beetles during its spring blooming period. Its early flowering time makes it valuable for pollinators emerging in late spring.

Common questions

How much sun does Little Bur need?: Little Bur grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Little Bur bloom?: Little Bur blooms in April, May, and June.
Is Little Bur toxic to dogs?: Yes. Little Bur 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 Little Bur toxic to cats?: Yes. Little Bur 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 Little Bur attract?: Little Bur draws bees and beetles.
Is Little Bur HOA-friendly?: Little Bur takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

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