Littleleaf Buttercup

(Ranunculus abortivus)

Littleleaf Buttercup (Ranunculus abortivus)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Ranunculus abortivus image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Ranunculus abortivus, commonly known as Littleleaf Buttercup, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to moist deciduous woodlands, floodplains, and swamps in the Eastern United States and Southern Canada. It typically grows to a height of 10-50 cm (4-20 inches) and spreads 10-30 cm (4-12 inches) wide. The plant features small, yellow flowers with five petals each measuring 1.5 to 3.5 mm (1/16 to 1/8 in) long, which bloom in early spring to late spring. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite numerous, with each stem capable of bearing up to 50 blooms. They are surrounded by a ring of stamens and a central cluster of green carpels. The foliage is generally not the main attraction, as the leaves are small and inconspicuous.

Littleleaf Buttercup is valued for its early spring flowers that provide a food source for pollinators when few other plants are in bloom. It is suitable for naturalized areas, woodland gardens, and shaded borders. While it prefers moist, rich soil, it is adaptable to various soil types, provided they have good drainage. It thrives in full sun to part shade. Gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation on contact. There are no significant disease or pest issues, but it can self-seed prolifically, potentially becoming weedy in ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-2 feet
  • Width: 0.25-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Moist deciduous woodlands, floodplains, and swamps in the Eastern United States and Southern Canada

Other Names

Common Names: Small-Flower Crowfoot , Early Wood Buttercup , Kidney-Leaved Buttercup , Little-Leaved Buttercup , Small-Flowered Buttercup , Small-Flowered Crowfoot , Smooth-Leaved Buttercup , Early Woodbuttercup , Kidney-Leaf Buttercup , Kidneyleaf Buttercup

Scientific Names: Ranunculus abortivus , Ranunculus abortivus var. acrolasius , Ranunculus abortivus var. abortivus , Ranunculus abortivus subsp. acrolasius , Ranunculus abortivus var. eucyclus , Ranunculus abortivus var. indivisus , Ranunculus abortivus subsp. eucyclus , Ranunculus holmii , Ranunculus abortivus var. typicus , Ranunculus abortivus f. sylvaticus

GBIF Accepted Name: Ranunculus abortivus L.