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Bristly Buttercup

Ranunculus pensylvanicus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Bristly Buttercup (Ranunculus pensylvanicus)
Photo: Edward G. Voss. USDA NRCS. 1992. Western wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. West Region, Sacramento. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Bristly Buttercup is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). 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.

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

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Bristly Buttercup need?
Bristly Buttercup grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Bristly Buttercup bloom?
Bristly Buttercup blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Bristly Buttercup native?
Bristly Buttercup (Ranunculus pensylvanicus) is native to AZ, CO, CT, DE and 25 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database 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 bees and beetles.
Is Bristly Buttercup HOA-friendly?
Bristly 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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