Littleleaf Buttercup

Ranunculus abortivus

Native to:
Canada, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Genus:
Ranunculus
Species:
Ranunculus abortivus
USDA Symbol:
RAAB

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Biennial | Perennial
Growth Habit:
Geophyte
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★☆☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
commonly found in woodland and forest edges

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI