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California Buttercup

Ranunculus californicus var. californicus

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Water

very low

Soil

Fast, Medium, Slow; Adaptable.

Size

0–2ft tall , 0–0ft wide

Bloom

Jan-Dec

Foliage

Deciduous

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Grasslands and oak woodlands throughout much of California from the Coast Ranges to the Sierra Nevada foothills, below 4000 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant California Buttercup in full sun with well-draining soil - it adapts to fast, medium, or slow drainage, so your soil type isn't critical. Space plants according to your variety: var. californicus grows 1–2 feet tall, while var. cuatus stays low as a ground cover. Plant in fall or early winter to establish before the blooming season (late winter through spring). You can pair it with native annuals, bulbs, or in meadow borders.

After Planting

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, then stop - once established, never irrigate in summer. This is a deciduous perennial that will die back seasonally, which is normal. The plant self-seeds readily, so expect volunteers; if you want to prevent spreading, deadhead before seeds drop. The biggest mistake is overwatering after the first year; this plant evolved to survive California summers without supplemental water, and extra moisture can rot the roots.

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