Sacramento Valley Buttercup
Ranunculus canus var. canus
Care
moderate
0–2ft tall
Friendly
Prized
Wetland margins and alkaline meadows of the Sacramento Valley and adjacent areas, below 500 ft elevation.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Sacramento Valley buttercup in a location that mimics its natural habitat: grassland or meadow conditions with moderate water availability. This is a California native that thrives in foothill woodlands and valley grasslands, so it prefers well-draining soil typical of these environments. Space plants to allow for their mature height of 1 to 2 feet, and give them room to spread naturally.
After Planting
Water moderately during your plant's first growing season to help it establish, then adjust based on your local rainfall patterns - this species naturally grows in areas with moderate water availability, so it shouldn't need supplemental watering once established. The biggest mistake people make is overwatering; this is a grassland plant adapted to California's dry summers, not a shade plant that needs constant moisture. Expect the plant to go dormant during dry periods, which is normal behavior for this species.
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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California Clapper Rail; federally and state endangered
Wildlife Supported
Birds
Marsh vegetation used for cover and foraging in coastal California wetlands
Herbaceous vegetation provides nesting habitat and insect foraging substrate
Wetland herb consumption during winter staging in California marshes
Winter waterfowl utilize wetland herb foliage during non-breeding season
Mammals
Spring herbaceous forage in California foothill and wetland habitats
Early spring emergent vegetation browsed during post-winter recovery
Spring herbaceous vegetation consumed alongside woody vegetation