Photo: Eric KnightCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Yellow Water Crowfoot Plant Care
Ranunculus flabellaris Raf.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's deeply lobed palmate leaves give it a unique fan-like appearance. Originating from North America, Ranunculus flabellaris is highly sought after by plant collectors for its delicate yellow flowers that bloom in late spring. Its striking foliage and vibrant blooms make it a standout addition to any garden or collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Yellow Water Crowfoot?
Water Yellow Water Crowfoot every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°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 Yellow Water Crowfoot Native To?
What Is the Yellow Water Crowfoot?
Yellow Water Crowfoot (Ranunculus flabellaris) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Ranunculus genus. Yellow Water Crowfoot is native to much of North America, including the southern half of Canada and most of the United States. Yellow Water Crowfoot is also known as Yellow Water Buttercup.
Yellow Water Crowfoot displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Yellow Water Crowfoot produces brightly colored, multi-petaled blooms in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Yellow Water Crowfoot?
Ranunculus flabellaris requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Yellow Water Crowfoot Need?
Yellow Water Crowfoot thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Yellow Water Crowfoot Prefer?
Ranunculus flabellaris grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Yellow Water Crowfoot prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Yellow Water Crowfoot?
Moist, well-draining soil with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Yellow Water Crowfoot to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Yellow Water Crowfoot?
Feed Yellow Water Crowfoot 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 Yellow Water Crowfoot?
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 Yellow Water Crowfoot?
Yellow Water Crowfoot can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to western water buttercup plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Yellow Water Crowfoot 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 Yellow Water Crowfoot?
Yellow Water Crowfoot 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 Yellow Water Crowfoot Need?
Yellow Water Crowfoot grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Yellow Water Crowfoot is native to much of North America, including the southern half of Canada and most of the United States.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Yellow Water Crowfoot 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.
Yellow Water Crowfoot 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 flabellaris Raf., family Ranunculaceae (first published in Amer. Monthly Mag. & Crit. Rev. 2: 344 (1818)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Yellow Water Crowfoot 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: Eric Knight, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 9b, 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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