Hairy Buttercup - Ranunculus sardous Crantz

The Hairy Buttercup is a close sibling of the Creeping Buttercup, and gets its name from its hairy stem. This wild 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 stolens, 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

This weedy, delicate plant favors meadows, fields, pond margins and low lands, 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 their aggressive nature, the Hairy Buttercup is a cheerful beauty to find in your garden through the spring.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color

Yellow

Height at Maturity

Under 12"

Care

Hairy Buttercup thrives in well-drained soil and needs frequent watering, especially during dry periods. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy. Regularly check for pests and remove any dead or diseased foliage to maintain plant health.

Plant Reproduction

Hairy Buttercup spreads by seed

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Perennials, Tubers, and Bulbs

Bare root perennials, tubers, and bulbs are an easy and economical way to jumpstart your garden with lasting beauty. These dormant plants should be planted in early spring or fall while the soil is cool and workable. Before planting, soak bare roots in water for 1–2 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a location based on the plant’s light needs—most flowering types prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade.

For bare root perennials, dig a shallow hole and spread the roots out naturally, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. For tubers and bulbs, plant with the pointed side facing up at a depth about two to three times their height. Cover with soil, gently press down, and water thoroughly.

Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) until new growth appears. Add mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid covering the crown or bulb tops. Once established, these plants require little maintenance—just seasonal watering, occasional dividing, and deadheading or pruning as needed. With proper care, they’ll return and thrive year after year.

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