When does meadow buttercup bloom?

Meadow buttercup typically flowers from May through July, producing glossy yellow blooms on branching stems above a low clump of lobed leaves.

What pollinates meadow buttercup?

Bees and beetles are the main visitors to meadow buttercup flowers, drawn to the open cup shape and glossy petals that reflect light.

What growing conditions does meadow buttercup prefer?

It does well in part shade to full sun with medium to consistently moist soil, and is often found in damp meadows, pastures, and along ditches or streambanks.

Is meadow buttercup evergreen?

No, it is a deciduous herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground after the growing season and regrows from its base the following spring.

Is Meadow Buttercup toxic to dogs?

Yes. Meadow Buttercup 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 Meadow Buttercup toxic to cats?

Yes. Meadow Buttercup 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 Meadow Buttercup HOA-friendly?

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

Meadow Buttercup

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ranunculus acris

Last reviewed: August 2026

Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) is a perennial forb. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees and beetles.

Meadow Buttercup 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 shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Meadow Buttercup

Meadow Buttercup 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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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.

Growing Meadow Buttercup

Grow Meadow Buttercup in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

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.

Common questions

When does meadow buttercup bloom?: Meadow buttercup typically flowers from May through July, producing glossy yellow blooms on branching stems above a low clump of lobed leaves.
What pollinates meadow buttercup?: Bees and beetles are the main visitors to meadow buttercup flowers, drawn to the open cup shape and glossy petals that reflect light.
What growing conditions does meadow buttercup prefer?: It does well in part shade to full sun with medium to consistently moist soil, and is often found in damp meadows, pastures, and along ditches or streambanks.
Is meadow buttercup evergreen?: No, it is a deciduous herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground after the growing season and regrows from its base the following spring.
Is Meadow Buttercup toxic to dogs?: Yes. Meadow Buttercup 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 Meadow Buttercup toxic to cats?: Yes. Meadow Buttercup 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 Meadow Buttercup HOA-friendly?: Meadow Buttercup takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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

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