Small-flower Crowfoot
Ranunculus abortivus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Small-flower Crowfoot 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 shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–18" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CO, CT and 39 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Small-flower crowfoot is a modest native perennial that produces tiny yellow flowers from April through June. This low-growing wildflower thrives in partially shaded areas with average moisture and forms small clumps in the garden.
In an HOA neighborhood
Small-flower Crowfoot 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 flowers appear weedy to untrained eye
- Common name includes 'crowfoot' which sounds like a weed
- Low profile makes it look like lawn weeds
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract native bees and beetles during spring blooming season. While not a major pollinator magnet, it provides early season nectar when few other plants are flowering.
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 Small-flower Crowfoot and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.