Ranunculus eschscholtzii

Common Names

Eschscholtz's Buttercup, Suksdorf's Buttercup, Threesection Buttercup

Summary

Eschscholtz's buttercup is a perennial herb native to western North America, from Alaska to New Mexico and into western Canada, growing in montane, subalpine, and alpine zones in moist meadows, talus slopes, and along streambanks. It forms erect to decumbent stems 3–30 cm tall with glabrous foliage; basal leaves are reniform to cordate and lobed, while stem leaves are reduced; flowers are borne 1–3 per plant on slender pedicels, with five to eight yellow petals surrounding a central nectary, and heads of achenes are slender and glabrous. Blooms occur in summer and the plant is notable for bright yellow flowers and shiny foliage.

Propagation is by seed; in cultivation it tolerates moist, humus-rich soils and a semi-shady site. It offers bright yellow summer blooms that attract pollinators and can contribute to erosion control in appropriate settings; all parts are poisonous if ingested, so handling requires caution.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-10 inches

Spread

0 inches

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Humus-rich, moist, medium-textured, well-drained, fertile soil with pH 6.0–7.0

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

6.2–7.0

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green, Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies