Ranunculus nivalis, commonly known as the Snow Buttercup, is a perennial herb that is native to arctic and alpine regions, where it thrives in wet alpine meadows, on cliffs, and along streamsides. It is adapted to cold environments and often found at high elevations. The Snow Buttercup grows up to 9 inches tall and is characterized by its glossy yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer. The flowers exhibit heliotropism, meaning they turn to follow the sun across the sky, which helps to maximize solar energy absorption in its chilly native habitat.

The Snow Buttercup is valued for its bright, cheerful flowers that can enliven rock gardens and alpine garden settings. It requires consistently moist soil and does well in full sun to partial shade. While it is not typically grown in large-scale cultivation, it can be an attractive addition to specialized garden areas that mimic its native alpine conditions. Gardeners should be aware that it may not thrive in warmer or drier climates. Due to its specialized habitat requirements, it is not commonly associated with significant diseases or pests.CC BY-SA 4.0