California Buttercup
Ranunculus californicus
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States
Acmonbluey
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus:
- Ranunculus
- Species:
- Ranunculus californicus
- USDA Symbol:
- RACA2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- feb,mar,apr,may
- 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)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:California ringlet (Coenonympha california)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or clay loam
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny locations
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold moist stratification for 4-8 weeks to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Cold stratify seeds for 6 weeks in a refrigerator or sow outdoors in November or December
Establishment: R. californicus is found in vernally moist slopes and meadows below 3,000 feet elevation; from southern Oregon to Lower California throughout the coastal ranges and the Sierra foothills.
Source: npn.rngr.net