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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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.

Woodland Buttercup

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ranunculus uncinatus

Last reviewed: August 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) 426-4435 and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Native swaps for a yard with pets

Woodland Buttercup is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. These natives fill a similar role in a planting and are not on the ASPCA toxic plant list for dogs or cats. Each plant's page carries its dated record.

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

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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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 Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains

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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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