How much sun does Bristly Buttercup need?

Bristly Buttercup grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Bristly Buttercup bloom?

Bristly Buttercup blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.

Where is Bristly Buttercup native?

Bristly Buttercup (Ranunculus hispidus var. nitidus) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Bristly Buttercup toxic to livestock?

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

What pollinators does Bristly Buttercup attract?

Bristly Buttercup draws butterflies, bees, and nectar insects.

Is Bristly Buttercup HOA-friendly?

Bristly Buttercup is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Bristly Buttercup

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ranunculus hispidus var. nitidus

Last reviewed: July 2026

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

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bees, nectar insects

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Bristly Buttercup is a compact native perennial that produces bright yellow, glossy flowers from spring through summer. This low-growing wildflower forms neat clumps and goes dormant in winter, returning reliably each spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bristly Buttercup is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The long blooming period provides nectar for butterflies, native bees, and other beneficial insects throughout the growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Bristly Buttercup need?: Bristly Buttercup grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Bristly Buttercup bloom?: Bristly Buttercup blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.
Where is Bristly Buttercup native?: Bristly Buttercup (Ranunculus hispidus var. nitidus) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Bristly Buttercup toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bristly Buttercup as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Bristly Buttercup attract?: Bristly Buttercup draws butterflies, bees, and nectar insects.
Is Bristly Buttercup HOA-friendly?: Bristly Buttercup is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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

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