SafePlants

Caltha leptosepala (White Marsh Marigold)

Caltha leptosepala, a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), is commonly known as White Marsh Marigold, Twinflowered Marsh Marigold, or Broadleaved Marsh Marigold. Other common names include Elk's Lip and Elkslip Marshmarigold.

Considerations for Pets

• The glossy, basal leaves have wavy edges.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Caltha leptosepala
• Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family), formerly Helleboraceae (Hellebore)
• Synonyms/Subspecies:
  • Caltha leptosepala ssp. leptosepala var. leptosepala
  • Caltha palustris var. alba
  • Caltha leptosepala ssp. howellii
  • Caltha leptosepala var. biflora
  • Caltha biflora

Distribution and Habitat

• Caltha leptosepala is native to western North America, ranging from Alaska to New Mexico.
• It thrives in wet mountain habitats within alpine and subalpine regions.
• Often found at the edge of snow, sometimes even poking through it or in shallow snow caves.
• Also found East of the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington.

Morphological Characteristics

• The plant is a perennial, growing to approximately 1 foot in height.
• Basal leaves are longer than broad with wavy edges.
• Showy white flowers appear in spring (April-May) with a possible second flush in August.
• Stems can be buried, with leaves arising directly from the soil.

Ecological Role

• One of the earliest harbingers of spring in the Rocky Mountain west.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Observed to interact with Hippodamia convergens (convergent ladybeetle).