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Low Spearwort

Ranunculus pusillus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Low Spearwort (Ranunculus pusillus)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Low 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.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CA, DE and 20 more states

Pollinators

beetles, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central Plains

Low spearwort is a small annual wildflower that grows close to the ground with small yellow buttercup-like blooms from April through June. This moisture-loving plant thrives in wet areas and partial sun, forming small clumps that stay under a foot tall. It completes its entire life cycle in one growing season and requires consistently moist soil conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Low 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.

  • Very small size makes it easily overlooked or mistaken for weeds
  • Annual lifecycle means gaps when plants die back
  • High water requirements may create maintenance challenges

Wildlife value

This native wildflower attracts beetles and flies during its spring blooming period. Its early season flowers provide nectar when few other plants are blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Low Spearwort need?
Low Spearwort grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Low Spearwort bloom?
Low Spearwort blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Low Spearwort native?
Low Spearwort (Ranunculus pusillus) is native to AL, AR, CA, DE and 20 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Low Spearwort toxic to dogs?
Yes. Low 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 Low Spearwort toxic to cats?
Yes. Low 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.
What pollinators does Low Spearwort attract?
Low Spearwort draws beetles and flies.
Is Low Spearwort HOA-friendly?
Low 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.

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