Rock Buttercup
Ranunculus micranthus
Last reviewed: July 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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 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 Rock Buttercup and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz