Western Buttercup
Ranunculus occidentalis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Western Buttercup 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
medium
Size
4"–16" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, ID, NV, OR and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Western buttercup is a low-growing native wildflower that produces bright yellow, cup-shaped blooms from spring through mid-summer. This compact perennial spreads slowly to form small patches and goes dormant in late summer, disappearing completely until the following spring.
In an HOA neighborhood
Western Buttercup 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.
- Completely disappears when dormant, leaving bare spots
- Can look weedy or unkempt during growing season
- Yellow wildflower appearance may seem too informal for front yards
Wildlife value
The cheerful yellow flowers attract native bees and beetles during the spring and early summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for small birds and ground-dwelling wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Western Buttercup need?
- Western Buttercup grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Western Buttercup bloom?
- Western Buttercup blooms in April, May, June, and July.
- Where is Western Buttercup native?
- Western Buttercup (Ranunculus occidentalis) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 1 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Western Buttercup toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Western 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 Western Buttercup toxic to cats?
- Yes. Western 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 Western Buttercup attract?
- Western Buttercup draws bees and beetles.
- Is Western Buttercup HOA-friendly?
- Western Buttercup 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 Western Buttercup and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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