Meadow Buttercup
Ranunculus acris
Last reviewed: June 2026
Meadow Buttercup 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 shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Meadow buttercup produces bright yellow, glossy flowers from May through July on stems that reach up to 3 feet tall. This European perennial spreads readily and prefers partially shaded areas with consistent moisture. The plant goes dormant in winter, leaving bare ground until spring growth returns.
In an HOA neighborhood
Meadow Buttercup takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spreads aggressively and can look weedy
- Non-native species may be prohibited
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare patches
Wildlife value
The cheerful yellow blooms attract bees and beetles during the late spring and summer flowering period. However, this non-native species provides limited ecological value compared to native wildflowers.
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 Meadow Buttercup and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.