Photo: Flavien SaboureauCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Prairie Buttercup Plant Care
Ranunculus biternatus Sm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its delicate, feathery leaves that resemble a lacy fern, Ranunculus biternatus originates from the southeastern United States. Plant collectors are drawn to this rare species for its unique foliage and its ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Prairie Buttercup?
Water Prairie Buttercup every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Prairie Buttercup Native To?
What Is the Prairie Buttercup?
Prairie Buttercup (Ranunculus biternatus) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Ranunculus genus. Prairie Buttercup is native to southern South America and some subantarctic islands. Prairie Buttercup is also known as Two-leaf Buttercup.
Prairie Buttercup displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Prairie Buttercup produces brightly colored, multi-petaled blooms in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Prairie Buttercup?
Ranunculus biternatus requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Prairie Buttercup Need?
Prairie Buttercup thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Prairie Buttercup Prefer?
Ranunculus biternatus grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Prairie Buttercup prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Prairie Buttercup?
Moist, well-draining soil with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Prairie Buttercup to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Prairie Buttercup?
Feed Prairie Buttercup every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Prairie Buttercup?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Prairie Buttercup?
Prairie Buttercup can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to western water buttercup plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Prairie Buttercup Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Prairie Buttercup?
Prairie Buttercup is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Prairie Buttercup Need?
Prairie Buttercup grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Prairie Buttercup is native to southern South America and some subantarctic islands.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Prairie Buttercup is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Ranunculus genus — compare its care with other Ranunculus species on PlantoScan.
Ranunculus is part of the Ranunculaceae plant family — browse all Ranunculaceae genera and species.
Prairie Buttercup thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ranunculus Species
Other Ranunculus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ranunculus biternatus Sm., family Ranunculaceae (first published in Cycl. 29: n.º 48 (1815)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Prairie Buttercup is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Flavien Saboureau, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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