California Buttercup, Ranunculus californicus var. austromontanus, Ranunculus californicus var. cuneatus, Ranunculus californicus var. gratus, Ranunculus californicus var. rugulosus, Ranunculus californicus var. typicus, Ranunculus rugulosus
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.
Hardiness |
6 - 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Ranunculaceae |
Genus | Ranunculus |
Common names | Buttercup, Ranunculus |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Winter |
Height | 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm) |
Spacing | 6" (15cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | California, United States, Pacific Northwest, Washington, Oregon |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
Hardiness |
6 - 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Ranunculaceae |
Genus | Ranunculus |
Common names | Buttercup, Ranunculus |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Winter |
Height | 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm) |
Spacing | 6" (15cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | California, United States, Pacific Northwest, Washington, Oregon |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
How many Ranunculus californicus (California Buttercup) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Ranunculus californicus (California Buttercup) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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