How much sun does Alkali Buttercup need?

Alkali Buttercup grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Alkali Buttercup bloom?

Alkali Buttercup blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Alkali Buttercup native?

Alkali Buttercup (Ranunculus cymbalaria) is native to CA, CO, IA, ID and 14 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Alkali Buttercup toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Alkali Buttercup as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Alkali Buttercup attract?

Alkali Buttercup draws bees and beetles.

Is Alkali Buttercup HOA-friendly?

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

Alkali Buttercup

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ranunculus cymbalaria

Last reviewed: July 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Alkali Buttercup as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–12" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, CO, IA, ID and 14 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range

Shore buttercup is a small, low-growing native wildflower that produces bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers from May through July. This compact perennial thrives in partial shade with medium moisture and forms neat clumps that stay under a foot tall and wide.

In an HOA neighborhood

Alkali Buttercup 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.

Very small size makes it look sparse in formal settings
Name contains 'buttercup' which many associate with weeds
May appear patchy or uneven as a groundcover

Wildlife value

The cheerful yellow blooms attract native bees and beneficial beetles during the spring and summer months. Its compact size makes it useful for supporting pollinators in smaller garden spaces.

Common questions

How much sun does Alkali Buttercup need?: Alkali Buttercup grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Alkali Buttercup bloom?: Alkali Buttercup blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Alkali Buttercup native?: Alkali Buttercup (Ranunculus cymbalaria) is native to CA, CO, IA, ID and 14 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Alkali Buttercup toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Alkali Buttercup as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Alkali Buttercup attract?: Alkali Buttercup draws bees and beetles.
Is Alkali Buttercup HOA-friendly?: Alkali Buttercup 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.

Ready to grow Alkali Buttercup? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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