Alkali Buttercup

(Ranunculus cymbalaria)

Alkali Buttercup (Ranunculus cymbalaria)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ranunculus cymbalaria, commonly known as alkali buttercup or seaside buttercup, is a perennial herb native to saline and alkaline wetlands, including coastal marshes, vernal pools, and the edges of salt flats across the Americas. It typically produces several prostrate to erect stems ranging from a few centimeters to nearly 40 centimeters in length. The plant is characterized by its small, pale yellow flowers with five to eight petals, each less than a centimeter long, which bloom in the spring and are moderately showy. The foliage is usually bright green and somewhat fleshy, adapted to its saline environment.

Alkali buttercup is valued for its ability to thrive in challenging wetland environments and can be used in water gardens, rain gardens, or as part of naturalized plantings in appropriate areas. Its preference for full sun to part shade, high water requirements, and tolerance for soils with slow drainage make it suitable for cultivation in wet or occasionally flooded sites. While not commonly used in traditional garden settings, it can be an interesting addition for those looking to create a habitat for wildlife or to manage wet areas on their property. Care should be taken, as in some regions outside of its native range, it may become invasive.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.2-0.5 feet
  • Width: 0.2-0.4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

native to saline and alkaline wetlands, including coastal marshes, vernal pools, and the edges of salt flats across the Americas

Other Names

Common Names: Seaside Buttercup , Marsh Buttercup , Seaside Crowfoot , Seashore Buttercup , Seaside Buttercup , Shore Buttercup , Renoncule Cymbalaire , Renoncule Fausse-Cymbalaire , Bohusranunkel

Scientific Names: Ranunculus cymbalaria , Ranunculus nanus , Halerpestes cymbalaria , Ranunculus cymbalaria var. saximontanus , Halerpestes cymbalaria subsp. saximontana , Ranunculus cymbalaria var. cymbalaria , Ranunculus cymbalaria subsp. saximontanus , Cyrtorhyncha cymbalaria , Oxygraphis cymbalaria , Ranunculus tridentatus

GBIF Accepted Name: Halerpestes cymbalaria (Pursh) Greene