Hairy Buttercup

Hairy Buttercup For Sale

The Hairy Buttercup is a close sibling of the Creeping Buttercup, and gets its name from its hairy stem. This weed is native to the Canary Islands, North Africa, and Europe and was introduced to the United States, where it is now considered invasive. The hardy, winter annual is commonly found in wetlands, especially in eastern US states.

Plant Details - Hairy Buttercup

Family: Ranunculaceae

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Water Needs: Moderate - Heavy

Height: Up to 20 in

Spread: 3-8 in

Growth Rate: Rapid

Soil Preference: Moist, Well-drained

Bloom Time: April - June

Flower Color: Yellow

Wildlife Value: Attracts pollinators

Notable Characteristics - Hairy Buttercup

The Hairy Buttercup is an adorable yellow blossom atop a mess of green leaves. The stem is sturdy and tall with multiple branches, which are covered in thick, white hairs. The leaves are thin with multiple leaflets, creating a lacy effect in their foliage. The flowers themselves have five petals and five, relaxed sepals which curve back from the petals and point downwards. 

The unique sepal position is a good way to distinguish this plant from its Ranunculus siblings. Unlike the Creeping Buttercup, these hairy flowers have no stolons, horizontal stems that grow above the soil. Instead of pushing out new buds along the ground, this plant grows straight up, reaching 20 in under good conditions.

Landscape and Maintenance of Hairy Buttercup

This weedy, delicate plant favors meadows, fields, pond margins, and lowlands, as it prefers moist, well-drained soil. The hardy plant thrives in disturbed or otherwise anthropogenic areas because it can grow untamed. The wild, lush plants provide pollinators with nectar and pollen, attracting bees, butterflies, wasps, and flies. 

The yellow blooms may quickly outcompete native turf in your lawn or garden, and will easily evade the mower because they grow so low to the ground. Take care to cut them back where they are unwanted! Despite its aggressive nature, the Hairy Buttercup is a cheerful beauty to find in your garden through the spring.