Low Spearwort
Ranunculus pusillus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Low Spearwort is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (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
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.
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 Low Spearwort and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.