Pronounced (approximate): rah-NUN-kyoo-lus ah-BOR-tih-vus
Tiny yellow petals surround a prominent green center. Lower leaves are rounded while upper leaves are deeply divided.
Little-leaf Buttercup (Ranunculus abortivus): leaf and stem details. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Ranunculaceae
Life cycle Perennial
Blooms April – June
Height 6 to 24 inches
Habitat part shade, shade; open woods
Common names: Little-leaf Buttercup
Bloom timing varies with latitude, weather and local conditions.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
part shade, shade; open woods. Flowering season: April – June.
Unlike many buttercups, the petals are inconspicuous. Basal leaf shape helps separate other small-flowered species.
Tiny yellow petals surround a prominent green center.
Lower leaves are rounded while upper leaves are deeply divided.
Slender stems branch above the basal foliage. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
16 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Native to North America.
Reported U.S. distribution
AK, AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Includes native and introduced state records where listed; a state record does not imply occurrence in every county.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Little-leaf Buttercup in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.