Woodland Buttercup
Ranunculus uncinatus
Last reviewed: July 2026
Woodland 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.
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Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–16" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Ranunculus uncinatus is a small woodland buttercup native to shaded areas. This compact perennial produces small yellow flowers from May through July and stays under 16 inches tall. It thrives in partially shaded spots with consistent moisture.
In an HOA neighborhood
Woodland 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.
- Very informal wildflower appearance
- May be perceived as weedy by neighbors
- Small scattered growth pattern lacks structure
Wildlife value
This native buttercup attracts bees and beetles during its spring and early summer bloom period. The flowers provide nectar for pollinators when many other native plants are not yet flowering.
Common questions
- How much sun does Woodland Buttercup need?
- Woodland Buttercup grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Woodland Buttercup bloom?
- Woodland Buttercup blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Woodland Buttercup native?
- Woodland Buttercup (Ranunculus uncinatus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Woodland Buttercup toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Woodland 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 Woodland Buttercup toxic to cats?
- Yes. Woodland 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 Woodland Buttercup attract?
- Woodland Buttercup draws bees and beetles.
- Is Woodland Buttercup HOA-friendly?
- Woodland 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.
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