How much sun does Rock Buttercup need?

Rock Buttercup grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Rock Buttercup bloom?

Rock Buttercup blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Rock Buttercup native?

Rock Buttercup (Ranunculus micranthus) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Rock Buttercup toxic to dogs?

Yes. Rock 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 Rock Buttercup toxic to cats?

Yes. Rock 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.

What pollinators does Rock Buttercup attract?

Rock Buttercup draws bees and beetles.

Is Rock Buttercup HOA-friendly?

Rock Buttercup takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Rock Buttercup

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ranunculus micranthus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Rock 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.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain

Rock buttercup is a low-growing native perennial that forms compact clumps in partly sunny areas. It produces small yellow flowers from March through May, adding early spring color to the landscape. This diminutive wildflower works well as a groundcover or accent plant in natural garden settings.

In an HOA neighborhood

Rock 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 stature may appear insignificant in formal landscapes
Wild appearance doesn't match typical HOA aesthetic
Unknown dormancy behavior creates maintenance uncertainty

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the spring blooming period. Its early bloom time provides important nectar sources when few other plants are flowering.

Common questions

How much sun does Rock Buttercup need?: Rock Buttercup grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Rock Buttercup bloom?: Rock Buttercup blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Rock Buttercup native?: Rock Buttercup (Ranunculus micranthus) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Rock Buttercup toxic to dogs?: Yes. Rock 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 Rock Buttercup toxic to cats?: Yes. Rock 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.
What pollinators does Rock Buttercup attract?: Rock Buttercup draws bees and beetles.
Is Rock Buttercup HOA-friendly?: Rock 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Rock Buttercup and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.

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