Western Buttercup (Ranunculus occidentalis) is a native buttercup found in various regions of western North America. It can be spotted in a range of habitats, including meadows, prairies, open woodlands, coastal bluffs, and seasonal stream banks. Unlike the invasive, introduced Creeping Buttercup (R. repens), this little native is a mild-mannered spring ephemeral adapted to drier upland habitats. Despite a much more graceful habit and petite rosettes, its resilient nature allows it to withstand harsh growing conditions and persist in stands of non-native grasses and other weeds. 
 
Plants typically bloom in early to mid-spring, with peak bloom occurring from May to June. Its role as an early-season bloomer provides a vital food source for pollinators emerging from winter dormancy. Native bees, honeybees, and syrphid flies are especially attracted to the bright yellow flowers, which also attract the occasional small butterfly. Western Buttercup contains alkaloids that are toxic to people and livestock. Despite this, the seeds are edible and have been traditionally used by some cultures in traditional pinole recipes, a combination of roasted ground grain (typically maize) and regional spices such as cacao, cinnamon, chia, and other herbs.
 
Western Buttercup prefers seasonally moist, well-drained soils ranging from loam to rocky soils. Germination benefits from some cold stratification, and seeds can be surface sown on prepared soil in the fall or late winter and lightly covered with sand or fine soil. Plants require a period of summer dormancy, and watering should be restricted to once or twice a month until fall rains return.