Caltha palustris

Marsh Marigold

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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.

Range Image

Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]

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.