It is a native of California, where it is common in many habitats, including chaparral and woodlands.

[2] Its reported locations include the islands between British Columbia and Washington, the Channel Islands of California, and the Sierra Nevada.

[3] Ranunculus californicus grows up to 70 centimetres (2.3 ft) in height.

The bright yellow flower is roughly 1–2 centimetres (0.033–0.066 ft) in diameter and has 7 to 22 shiny, teardrop-shaped petals.

Each flower grows on a long, green, leafless stem.