Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold
General
A fleshy, herbaceous plant which grows in shady, wet conditions. Often found in swamps, wet woods, and along streams. In the Northeast, marsh marigold is one of the earliest herbaceous plants to sprout in the spring. It has very showy, yellow flowers that attract a wide variety of insects. Due to the cup-like shape of its seed pods, seeds are often dispersed by rain drops pinging them out into the water or mud below. Young leaves and buds may be boiled and eaten in moderation but can be toxic if not properly prepared or if large quantities are consumed.
Plant Description
A succulent plant with broad, heart-shaped leaves, hollow stems, and which grows in a clumping habit. Flowers are yellow and buttercup-like.
Height (ft)
1-2
Soil moisture
Wet or standing water
Soil types
Muddy, rich, acidic soils
Wetland indicator
OBL
Shade tolerance
Intolerant, Full Sun
Bloom color
Yellow
Bloom period
Early Spring
Drought tolerance
None
Salinity tolerance
None
Range
Occurs throughout the New England, the Mid-Atlantic states, and Canada, south to North Carolina, west to Kansas, and throughout the west coast of the United States.
Additional Information
According to Cornell University's Cornell Botanic Gardens and Native American Ethnobotany Database, marsh marigolds were used by Abnaki, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee, Menominee and others as a poison and food. Haudenosaunee people used this species as a way to induce vomiting and as a defense against love charms.