Bristly Buttercup
Ranunculus hispidus var. nitidus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Bristly Buttercup is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). 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.
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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Bristly Buttercup toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Bristly 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 Bristly Buttercup toxic to cats?
- Yes. Bristly 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 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Bristly Buttercup and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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