Perhaps it's best to think of Ranunculus californicus as a healthy alternative to the mustard you see blooming in open fields. Mustard is lovely this time of year, but it has a tendency to run rampant and choke out most of everything else. Too much of a good thing, in my opinion. Buttercups, however wave little yellow fairy wands through the emerging grasses, a little here, a little there. Nothing says meadow better than a smattering of Buttercups! We found them on the road to Borges Ranch, a delightful farm to visit this time of year.
Soil: Believe it or not... Clay! Glorious clay!
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Plant: In the Fall, before it emerges from its Summer nap or now if you can't help yourself!
Buy it: Annie's Annuals, Oaktown Native Nursery in Alameda, or Native Here might have a few, but this note was what came up on their catalog page. I'm sure you'd come home with something!
Good for: Stubborn clay soils where you'd like a little meadow, wildlife gardens (the seeds are edible!), a mustard alternative, viewing far away and close up
