Bristly Buttercup
Ranunculus pensylvanicus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Bristly Buttercup is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (last reviewed 2026-05-21). 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.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CO, CT, DE and 25 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Bristly buttercup is a native annual wildflower that produces small yellow flowers from May through July. This modestly sized plant reaches 1-3 feet tall and spreads 6-18 inches wide, thriving in partial sun with average moisture conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bristly 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.
- Annual lifecycle creates gaps in landscape
- Common name includes 'buttercup' which may raise concerns
- Can appear weedy or unkempt to traditional gardeners
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during the spring and summer blooming period. As a native annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources for pollinators.
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.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Bristly Buttercup and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.