Ranunculus hispidus

Common Names

Bristly Buttercup, Hispid Buttercup, Hairy Buttercup, Swamp Buttercup, Marsh Buttercup, Rough Buttercup, Hispid Crowfoot

Summary

Ranunculus hispidus, commonly known as bristly buttercup or hispid buttercup, is a perennial native to central and eastern North America with erect or decumbent, densely hairy stems that may root at nodes, basal and alternate leaves usually trifoliolate with toothed or lobed leaflets, and solitary yellow flowers on long hairy peduncles; blooms March to June and yields achenes on a receptacle, giving a bristly texture and bright yellow appearance that forms tufted clumps in woodland and moist to dry forest habitats. Across its range it inhabits woodlands, bottomlands, streamsides, ridges and slopes, and moist to dry forest sites, preferring full sun to partial shade and growing in moist to well‑drained soils; hardy to at least USDA zone 4. Propagation can occur by division or seeds, with seeds dispersed by surface water or passing animals; seeds and foliage are eaten by birds and small mammals, while all parts are mildly toxic if eaten and contact can cause skin irritation. The plant suits native or woodland garden settings and naturalistic plantings, providing bright yellow blossoms in spring to early summer.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-24 inches

Spread

10-15 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zone 4

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Rich, loamy, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist (not waterlogged) with a pH around 6.0–7.0, tolerating clay, loam, or sandy textures.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soils (not waterlogged), well-draining loamy soil kept evenly moist but not waterlogged

Soil pH

5.0-7.5

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring (March through June)

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Unknown

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Not specified in sources

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, flies, and birds