How much sun does Water-crowfoot need?

Water-crowfoot grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Water-crowfoot bloom?

Water-crowfoot blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Water-crowfoot native?

Water-crowfoot (Ranunculus aquatilis) is native to PA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Water-crowfoot toxic to dogs?

Yes. Water-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 Water-crowfoot toxic to cats?

Yes. Water-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 Water-crowfoot attract?

Water-crowfoot draws bees and beetles.

Is Water-crowfoot HOA-friendly?

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

Water-crowfoot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ranunculus aquatilis

Last reviewed: June 2026

Water-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

full sun

Water

high

Size

4"–12" H × 6"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Water-crowfoot

Water-crowfoot is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Water-crowfoot is an aquatic native plant that grows in ponds, streams, and water gardens. It produces small white flowers from May through July and has distinctive floating or submerged foliage depending on water depth.

In an HOA neighborhood

Water-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 permanent water feature
Not suitable for typical landscaping
May be viewed as pond weed

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. As an aquatic plant, it also provides habitat for water-dwelling insects and small aquatic creatures.

Common questions

How much sun does Water-crowfoot need?: Water-crowfoot grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Water-crowfoot bloom?: Water-crowfoot blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Water-crowfoot native?: Water-crowfoot (Ranunculus aquatilis) is native to PA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Water-crowfoot toxic to dogs?: Yes. Water-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 Water-crowfoot toxic to cats?: Yes. Water-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 Water-crowfoot attract?: Water-crowfoot draws bees and beetles.
Is Water-crowfoot HOA-friendly?: Water-crowfoot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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