Image of Ranunculus abortivus
Source: Superior Natural Forest
Ranunculus abortivus

Plant Names

image of Flowering plant
Ranunculus abortivus
Kidney-leaved Buttercup
Renoncule abortive

Plant Characteristics

Bloom Colour: Yellow Bloom Period: Apr - Jun
Max Height: 2.0 feet
Max Width: 1.0 feet
Light Condition:
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Full shade Less than 2 or 3 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Moisture wet Tolerates wet soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will come back year after year
Special Features and Considerations:

Seed and plant distribution status

No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant

Fun Facts

Small-flowered Buttercup is a native woodland and meadow perennial with delicate yellow flowers appearing in spring. It has three-lobed leaves near the base and smaller upper leaves along slender stems. It grows naturally in moist forests, stream edges, floodplains, and shaded meadows. It prefers moist, fertile soils but can tolerate average garden conditions. Its subtle flowers make it best suited to naturalistic gardens rather than formal flower borders. Allow it to naturalize rather than trying to maintain as a specimen plant. It goes dormant after flowering in some conditions.

Plant Location

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Ranunculus abortivus
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Ecological Benefits

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
  • Sow anytime
  • Stratification duration: Not Available

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: June
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Seeds are dark and dry
  • Harvesting:
    • Open the pod, remove seeds
  • Seed viability test:
    • None
  • Packaging measure: None
  • Seed storage:
    • Air Dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
    • Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • Cultivar: No, you can donate without knowing the source as there are only straight species
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Like many buttercups, fresh plant material can irritate the mouth and digestive system if eaten. Avoid consumption by people, pets, and livestock.