Species › Plants › Early Buttercup

Early Buttercup

Ranunculus fascicularis

CommonPlant
Illustration of Early Buttercup (Ranunculus fascicularis)

Early Buttercup is a bright yellow flowering plant that heralds the arrival of spring. Its glossy petals and distinctive cup shape make it easily recognizable. This plant is a favorite among early-season pollinators.

Habitat
It grows in open woods and prairies.
Diet
Bees and other insects are drawn to its flowers for nectar.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Early Buttercup

The best time to see a Early Buttercup is March–April, when about 71% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 2,443 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Early Buttercup? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Early Buttercup sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spotted an Early Buttercup?

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.

Get Huck - free
5,300+species
63national parks
50states

More plants

Early Coralroot
Early Coralroot
Corallorhiza trifida
Early Goldenrod
Early Goldenrod
Solidago juncea
Early Meadow Rue
Early Meadow Rue
Thalictrum dioicum
Early Saxifrage
Early Saxifrage
Saxifraga virginiensis
Eastern Baccharis
Eastern Baccharis
Baccharis halimifolia
Eastern Black Nightshade
Eastern Black Nightshade
Solanum ptycanthum
Eastern Bluestar
Eastern Bluestar
Amsonia tabernaemontana
Eastern Cottonwood
Eastern Cottonwood
Populus deltoides