How much sun does Sacramento valley buttercup need?

Sacramento valley buttercup grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Sacramento valley buttercup bloom?

Sacramento valley buttercup blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Sacramento valley buttercup native?

Sacramento valley buttercup (Ranunculus canus) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Sacramento valley buttercup toxic to dogs?

Yes. Sacramento valley 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 Sacramento valley buttercup toxic to cats?

Yes. Sacramento valley 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 Sacramento valley buttercup attract?

Sacramento valley buttercup draws bees and flies.

Sacramento valley buttercup

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ranunculus canus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Sacramento valley buttercup (Ranunculus canus) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees and flies.

Sacramento valley 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) 426-4435 and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–18" H × 8"–14" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

Pollinators

bees, flies

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A soft, gray-hairy perennial buttercup with lobed basal leaves and glossy bright yellow five-petaled flowers on branching stems. Grows in loose clumps in grassland and open woodland, going dormant by summer.

Growing Sacramento valley buttercup

Grow Sacramento valley buttercup in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 18 inches tall and spread 8 to 14 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Glossy spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for early-season bees and flies.

Common questions

How much sun does Sacramento valley buttercup need?: Sacramento valley buttercup grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Sacramento valley buttercup bloom?: Sacramento valley buttercup blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Sacramento valley buttercup native?: Sacramento valley buttercup (Ranunculus canus) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Sacramento valley buttercup toxic to dogs?: Yes. Sacramento valley 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 Sacramento valley buttercup toxic to cats?: Yes. Sacramento valley 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 Sacramento valley buttercup attract?: Sacramento valley buttercup draws bees and flies.

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.

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