Early Buttercup
(Ranunculus fascicularis)
Early Buttercup (Ranunculus fascicularis)
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Brett Ortler
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Brett Ortler
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Brett Ortler | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: brett.ortler | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ranunculus fascicularis, commonly known as Early Buttercup, is a deciduous herbaceous perennial native to the open woodlands and grassy slopes in the East Central USA, particularly thriving in areas with well-drained soils. This plant typically grows to a height of 0.8 feet (0.2 meters) and a width of 0.5 feet (0.2 meters). Early Buttercup forms a low clump of glossy green leaves, with bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers appearing in early spring. The flowers are quite showy and attract pollinators.
Early Buttercup is valued for its early spring blooms, which can add a splash of color to rock gardens, borders, and native plant gardens. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring minimal care once established. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to light shade and requires well-drained soil, tolerating dry conditions once established. It is not commonly affected by serious pests or diseases, but overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot. While it is not aggressive, it can self-seed in ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Early Buttercup is valued for its early spring blooms, which can add a splash of color to rock gardens, borders, and native plant gardens. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring minimal care once established. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to light shade and requires well-drained soil, tolerating dry conditions once established. It is not commonly affected by serious pests or diseases, but overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot. While it is not aggressive, it can self-seed in ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.3-1 feet
- Width: 0.15-0.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands and grassy slopes
Other Names
Common Names: Prairie Buttercup , Tufted Buttercup , Renoncule Fasciculée
Scientific Names: Ranunculus fascicularis , Ranunculus fascicularis var. apricus , Ranunculus trifoliatus , Ranunculus illinoensis , Ranunculus apricus , Ranunculus fascicularis var. deforesti , Ranunculus fascicularis var. fascicularis , Ranunculus fascicularis var. typicus
GBIF Accepted Name: Ranunculus fascicularis Muhl. ex Bigelow