Alkali Buttercup
Ranunculus cymbalaria
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–12" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
WI
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
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.
Does Alkali Buttercup fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.