Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Bristly Buttercup Plant Care
Ranunculus hispidus Michx.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ranunculus hispidus stands out with its unique hairy leaves and bright yellow flowers. This plant is native to North America, specifically found in moist meadows and along stream banks. Plant enthusiasts are drawn to Ranunculus hispidus for its charming appearance and ability to attract pollinators.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Bristly Buttercup?
Water Bristly 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 60–80°F (16–27°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 Bristly Buttercup Native To?
What Is the Bristly Buttercup?
Bristly Buttercup (Ranunculus hispidus) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Ranunculus genus. Bristly Buttercup is native to central and eastern North America that grows to a height up to 30 cm (1 ft) and has 5-petaled yellow flowers. Bristly Buttercup is also known as Hairy Buttercup.
Bristly Buttercup displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Bristly Buttercup produces brightly colored, multi-petaled blooms in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bristly Buttercup?
Ranunculus hispidus 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 Bristly Buttercup Need?
Bristly Buttercup thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bristly Buttercup Prefer?
Ranunculus hispidus grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Bristly Buttercup prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bristly Buttercup?
Moist, well-draining soil with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Bristly Buttercup to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bristly Buttercup?
Feed Bristly 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 Bristly 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 Bristly Buttercup?
Bristly 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 Bristly 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 Bristly Buttercup?
Bristly 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 Bristly Buttercup Need?
Bristly Buttercup grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Bristly Buttercup is native to central and eastern North America that grows to a height up to 30 cm (1 ft) and has 5-petaled yellow flowers.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Bristly 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.
Bristly 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 hispidus Michx., family Ranunculaceae (first published in Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 321 (1803)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Bristly 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 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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