The California Buttercup is a native perennial herb that blooms from February to April with bright yellow flowers. It grows 1-2 feet tall and wide, with bright green basal leaves that die back in summer. It is found naturally along the western coast from Oregon to Baja California, in vernally moist meadows, grasslands, oak woodlands and forests. The California Buttercup requires full sun to part shade and moist soil in winter/spring but can tolerate summer dry periods. It is easy to grow from seed or dug-up corms in the fall, and provides habitat and forage for pollinators and birds.

1. California Buttercup – Ranunculus californicus
(ra-NUN-kew-lus
ka-li-FOR-ni-kus)
Family: Ranunculaceae (Ranunculus Family)
Much of western coast from OR to Baja; Vernally moist slopes, meadows, valley
grasslands, southern oak woodlands, mixed evergreen forest.
Native to:
herbaceous perennial
mature height: 1-2 ft.
mature width: 1-2 ft.
Perennial with bright green leaves in basal rosette. Dies back to ground in summer. Stems erect
to spreading. Attractive foliage – looks like a typical garden plant. Colonies spread over time.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms Feb-Apr. Bright yellow ‘buttercup’ flowers on stems above the leaves.
Wonderful early spring bloom – brightens spring garden. Flowers have a satiny shine.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Can be included in flowerbeds, particularly those with a summer drought period.
Very attractive spring bloomer in natural meadows with native grasses, Blue-eyed grass, native
onions. Looks great with CA native strawberries. Would do well in dappled shade under trees or in
a rain garden or infiltration swale (bank plant). Plant parts are probably toxic if eaten raw.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Ranunculus and other spring-blooming perennials.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant: hummingbirds & insect pollinator collect nectar; birds eat seeds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part shade (better in hotter yards)
Any local texture, pH
moist soil in winter/spring but drier in summer; fine with complete summer dry or
occasional water (can keep it blooming into late spring); needs some summer dry
None needed; probably won’t kill it
Management:
Easy to grow from seedling or corm. Will reseed. No seaside exposure.
Propagation: from seed:
easy
by corms: easy; dig up corms in early fall
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 8, 11, 13, 20
12/12/10
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