Ranunculus hispidus, commonly known as Bristly Buttercup, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist woodlands, forest edges, streambanks, and shaded slopes throughout Illinois. It thrives in rich, well-drained to slightly moist soils and prefers partial to full shade, making it well-suited for woodland gardens and naturalized understory plantings.
This spring-blooming plant typically grows up to 1 feet tall and features hairy, bristly stems and leaves—hence the name "bristly." The leaves are deeply divided and toothed, and the plant produces bright yellow, glossy, five-petaled flowers from early to mid-spring. These cheerful blooms attract early-season pollinators, including native bees and small flies.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Ranunculus hispidus is a charming and ecologically valuable choice for shady, moist native plantings. It offers early spring color, supports pollinator activity at a critical time of year, and naturalizes well in woodland settings alongside companions such as Wild Geranium, Woodland Phlox, and Jacob’s Ladder.
Ranunculus hispidus, commonly known as Bristly Buttercup, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist woodlands, forest edges, streambanks, and shaded slopes throughout Illinois. It thrives in rich, well-drained to slightly moist soils and prefers partial to full shade, making it well-suited for woodland gardens and naturalized understory plantings.
This spring-blooming plant typically grows up to 1 feet tall and features hairy, bristly stems and leaves—hence the name "bristly." The leaves are deeply divided and toothed, and the plant produces bright yellow, glossy, five-petaled flowers from early to mid-spring. These cheerful blooms attract early-season pollinators, including native bees and small flies.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Ranunculus hispidus is a charming and ecologically valuable choice for shady, moist native plantings. It offers early spring color, supports pollinator activity at a critical time of year, and naturalizes well in woodland settings alongside companions such as Wild Geranium, Woodland Phlox, and Jacob’s Ladder.
Bloom: mid- to late spring
Habitats: bluffs where oak trees are often present; wooded slopes; upland woodlands
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic to dry
Plant type (height): forb (up to 1 foot)
Requirements: dappled sunlight during the spring, followed by light shade in the summer
Soil: rich loamy soil with some decaying leaves
