Alkali Buttercup
Ranunculus cymbalaria
Last reviewed: August 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
AR, AZ, CA, CO and 29 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
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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 AR, AZ, CA, CO and 29 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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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