Water-crowfoot
Ranunculus aquatilis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Water-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
full sun
Water
high
Size
4"–12" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
PA
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
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 Water-crowfoot and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.