Ranunculus asiaticus, the Persian buttercup, is a species of buttercup (Ranunculus) native to the eastern Mediterranean region, southwestern Asia, southeastern Europe (Crete, Karpathos and Rhodes), and northeastern Africa.

[1] It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing up to 45 cm tall, with simple or branched stems.

[3] Double-flowered forms, which are likely hybrids, are a popular ornamental plant in gardens, and widely used in floristry.

By contrast, the similar-looking Anemone coronaria is widely available in single-flower 'De Caen' hybrid forms.

However, as with Ranunculus asiaticus, the species form, which also has red single flowers, is not commercially cultivated.