Ranunculus occidentalis

Western buttercup

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Taxonomy

Common Names

Western buttercup

Context

nativeRegion

Western North America, from Alaska to California and east to Idaho and Montana.

usdaZones

3–8

companionPlants

Iris missouriensis, Camassia quamash, Dicentra formosa

culturalUses

Some Indigenous groups use for medicinal or ceremonial purposes; handle with care due to toxicity.

Care

LightPrefers partial shade but tolerates full sun in cooler climates.

WateringKeep soil consistently moist; does not tolerate drought well.

SoilGrows best in rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter.

FertilizerGenerally not required in native soils; optionally, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

HumidityPrefers moderate to high humidity; avoid prolonged dryness.

TemperatureHardy to cool temperate climates; tolerates some frost.

HabitPerennial herbaceous plant.

Mature Size30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall.

Growth RateModerate growth rate.

BloomingFlowers from late spring to early summer with yellow blooms.

DormancyDies back to roots in autumn; winter dormancy.

MethodsSeed, Division

DifficultyEasy from seed; simple via division in early spring or fall.

Best SeasonEarly spring for division, fall or spring for seed sowing.

PruningRemove spent flowers to prolong bloom and tidiness.

RepottingRarely needed in the wild; repot every 2–3 years if container-grown.

Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to powdery mildew, rust, and aphids.

ToxicityAll parts are toxic if ingested, especially to livestock and pets.

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