Yellow Buttercups (Turnera ulmifolia): Cheerful Ground Cover for Warm Climates

Yellow buttercups, also called yellow alder or sage rose, is a low, spreading shrublet that produces a profusion of bright yellow, five-petaled flowers resembling buttercups. Native to the Caribbean and tropical Americas, Turnera ulmifolia blooms year-round in frost-free areas. Its oval, serrated leaves are soft green.

Growing Conditions

Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. It self-sows readily, forming a natural ground cover. In cooler zones, grow as an annual. Light pruning keeps it dense.

Uses and Benefits

Excellent for erosion control on slopes, in rock gardens, or as a filler in borders. The flowers attract bees and butterflies. In some cultures, leaves are used medicinally as a tea.

Taxonomic Information