Threadleaf Crowfoot
Ranunculus trichophyllus
Last reviewed: June 2026

Threadleaf Crowfoot 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 shade
Water
high
Size
4"–12" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AR, AZ, CA, CT and 35 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Threadleaf crowfoot is a low-growing perennial wildflower with delicate, thread-like leaves and small white buttercup flowers. This native plant thrives in consistently moist soils and partial shade, making it ideal for wet areas where other plants struggle. It blooms from May through July and goes dormant in winter.
In an HOA neighborhood
Threadleaf Crowfoot takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires consistently wet conditions that may create maintenance issues
- Very informal appearance resembles weeds
- Goes completely dormant leaving bare patches in winter
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract native bees and beetles during the spring and summer blooming period. Its low growth habit provides some ground-level habitat for small insects.
Common questions
- How much sun does Threadleaf Crowfoot need?
- Threadleaf Crowfoot grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Threadleaf Crowfoot bloom?
- Threadleaf Crowfoot blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Threadleaf Crowfoot native?
- Threadleaf Crowfoot (Ranunculus trichophyllus) is native to AR, AZ, CA, CT and 35 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Threadleaf Crowfoot toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Threadleaf Crowfoot 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 Threadleaf Crowfoot toxic to cats?
- Yes. Threadleaf Crowfoot 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 Threadleaf Crowfoot attract?
- Threadleaf Crowfoot draws bees and beetles.
- Is Threadleaf Crowfoot HOA-friendly?
- Threadleaf Crowfoot 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 Threadleaf Crowfoot and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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