Ranunculus californicus (California Buttercup)

A welcomed harbinger of spring, Ranunculus californicus (California Buttercup) is a cheery perennial plant prized for its shiny, deep yellow flowers, 3/4 in. (2 cm), from late winter to spring. Each flower features 7 to 22 elliptic, overlapping petals surrounding a bouquet of yellow stamens. Some flowers appear double due to a profusion of petals. Borne on slender stalks, they float above the foliage of palmately lobed and compound leaves (reminiscent of the delphinium leaves). Attractive to a variety of insects, including bees and butterflies, California Buttercup lightens up the spring landscape. The plant goes dormant in summer as the soil begins to dry, leaving behind lots of viable seeds. Native to California, Oregon, some Pacific coast islands and Baja California, California Buttercup is found in many habitats, including chaparral and woodlands. It is a beautiful addition to perennial borders, meadows or woodland gardens. Buttercups are not only worthy cut flowers but also a good source of nutrition. Native Americans cooked the seeds and then ground the seeds into an edible meal that is said to taste like popcorn.

• Grows up to 6-24 in. tall (15-60 cm) and 6 in. wide (15 cm). This plant readily self-seeds in the garden.
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in well-drained soils. Likes seasonal moisture and summer drought. Do not provide water in summer once established.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Cut plant to the ground as it goes dormant in summer.
• Propagate by seed. No special treatment is needed.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Ranunculus californicus is distributed across many habitats of California, north into Oregon and south into Baja California. Its reported locations include the islands between British Columbia and Washington, the Channel Islands of California, and the Sierra Nevada.