California Buttercup (Ranunculus californicus) is a perennial herb with glossy, deep yellow flowers featuring 9 to 17 petals. Native to much of California, Baja California, Oregon, and Pacific coastal islands, it blooms in late winter to spring. Two varieties exist: Var. californicus grows 1–2 feet tall, while Var. cuneatus forms a low ground cover.
This buttercup thrives in borders, meadows, and with native annuals or bulbs, needing little summer water. It self-seeds easily and can be propagated from seeds. Occasionally, nursery plants are available. A beautiful, low-maintenance addition, its seeds can even be toasted for culinary use.