Sagebrush Buttercup (Ranunculus glaberrimus) is in the buttercup family family (Ranunculaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,162 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in March.
Nationally it blooms mainly from March to April, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Sagebrush Buttercup: observations by month (U.S.)
About Sagebrush Buttercup
Ranunculus glaberrimus, the sagebrush buttercup, is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. It is native to interior western North America, in western Canada, the western United States, and the northwestern Great Plains.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Sagebrush Buttercup by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 501 | March | Mar–Apr |
| Oregon | 178 | March | Feb–Apr |
| Montana | 174 | April | Mar–May |
| Idaho | 154 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Wyoming | 73 | April | Apr–May |
| Colorado | 37 | April | Apr–May |
| Nevada | 30 | April | Apr–Apr |
| Utah | 13 | April | Mar–Apr |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (buttercup family)
Lesser Celandine
Red Columbine
Western Columbine
Rue Anemone
Marsh Marigold
Wood Anemone
Blue Columbine
Tenpetal Anemone
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Sagebrush Buttercup?
Nationally, March has the most observations, with the main season from March to April.
Where is Sagebrush Buttercup most often seen?
The most observations come from Washington, Oregon, Montana.