Snow Buttercup
Ranunculus adoneus
Snow Buttercup is a high-altitude alpine perennial with glossy yellow cup-shaped flowers that bloom at the edge of melting snowbanks. Its remarkable sun-tracking ability helps attract pollinators in harsh mountain environments.
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
Late spring to early summer (June-August depending on elevation and snowmelt), blooming within days of snow melting
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: white marsh marigolds and diervillas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Snow Buttercup is an icon of the Rocky Mountain alpine zone, symbolizing the remarkable adaptations plants develop to survive extreme conditions. The species name "adoneus" refers to Adonis, the Greek god of beauty and rebirth, fitting for a flower that emerges from snow and ice. These flowers are masters of heliotropism—their cup-shaped blooms track the sun across the sky like miniature satellite dishes, raising internal flower temperatures up to 3.8°C above ambient air. This warmth attracts fly pollinators that need to warm up in the cold alpine environment and accelerates seed development in the brief growing season. The remarkable solar-tracking mechanism involves differential cell growth on shaded versus sunlit sides of the flower stem. Snow buttercups represent the beauty and scientific wonder of alpine ecosystems and the intricate relationships between plants and pollinators.Shop Our Floral Collection
Transform your space with our curated selection of designer floral throw pillows
Visit Full StoreBotanical Information
Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; requires intense alpine sunlight
Water
High moisture from snowmelt during active growth; soil remains consistently moist in alpine environment
Soil
Rocky, Gravelly, Well-drained, Poor alpine soils, Moist from snowmelt
Expert Growing Tips
EXTREMELY difficult to cultivate outside natural alpine habitat
Requires cold temperatures, intense sun, and perfect drainage
Plant corms 2-3 inches deep in gritty, well-draining mix
Needs constant moisture during growing season
Must have cool root run even in summer
Best grown in alpine houses or specialized rock gardens in zones 3-6
Intolerant of heat and humidity
Best appreciated in its natural mountain habitat
Long-lived perennial that can survive for decades
Produces 1-3 flowers per plant annually
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Alpine gardens and rock gardens (difficult)
- Trough gardens in cool climates
- High-altitude restoration projects
- Botanical garden alpine collections
- Nature photography subjects
- Educational displays on alpine ecology
Traditional Uses
- TOXIC: Contains protoanemonin, which causes severe mouth and throat blistering
- Can cause gastric distress, drooling, and vomiting if ingested
- Acrid taste usually prevents consumption by animals
- No safe medicinal uses
- Handle with care; can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Snow Buttercup
why do snow buttercups track the sun?
Snow buttercups track the sun (heliotropism) to concentrate heat in their cup-shaped flowers, raising temperatures up to 3.8°C above ambient. This warmth attracts pollinating flies and accelerates seed development in the cold alpine environment.
where do snow buttercups grow?
Snow buttercups grow in alpine meadows and snowbeds of the Rocky Mountains, primarily in Colorado and Wyoming, at elevations of 10,000-13,500 feet. They bloom at the edge of melting snow in mid to late summer.
are snow buttercups poisonous?
Yes, snow buttercups contain protoanemonin, which causes severe blistering of mouth and throat if eaten. They can cause gastric distress in animals. The acrid taste usually prevents consumption, but all parts should be considered toxic.
how long do snow buttercups live?
Snow buttercups are long-lived perennials that can survive for decades in their harsh alpine habitat. Individual plants produce 1-3 flowers each year, emerging quickly after snowmelt and completing their bloom cycle in a few weeks.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
Share This Flower
Explore More Beautiful Flowers
Discover other flowers with similar meanings, characteristics, or cultural significance.
White Marsh Marigold
Caltha leptosepala
White Marsh Marigold is an early-blooming alpine perennial with glossy white cup-shaped flowers and heart-shaped leaves. This harbinger of spring appears at snowmelt edges in mountain wetlands.
Diervilla
Diervilla lonicera
Diervilla produces clusters of small yellow tubular flowers that attract pollinators. It symbolizes resilience, adaptability, and finding sweetness in challenging conditions.
Purple Alpine Saxifrage
Saxifraga oppositifolia
Purple Alpine Saxifrage is one of the world's most northerly flowering plants, forming cushions of vibrant purple-pink blooms on Arctic tundra and mountain peaks. It symbolizes resilience, early renewal, and the triumph of life over adversity.