SafePlants

Sulphur Marsh Marigold: A Botanical Overview

This page provides information on the Sulphur Marsh Marigold, its characteristics, and related species. Understanding these details can help you appreciate this plant in its natural environment or consider its role in gardening.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Sulphur Marsh Marigold is a marsh plant. Marsh plants can sometimes absorb elements in the water or soil that may or may not be healthy for animals.

Considerations for Children

• The plant can grow in or near water. Extra precaution should be taken around water to avoid accidents.

Scientific and Common Names

• Accepted Scientific Name: Caltha leptosepala DC.
• Common Names: Sulphur Marsh Marigold, Western Marsh Marigold, Howell's Marsh Marigold, Marsh Marigold, Yellow Marsh Marigold, White Marsh Marigold, Mountain Marsh Marigold.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
• Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae)
• Taxonomic Rank: Variety
• Synonyms: C. rotundifolia
• Subspecies: Caltha leptosepala DC. ssp. leptosepala (White Marsh Marigold)
• Variety: Caltha leptosepala var. sulfurea C.L. Hitchc.
• Note: The text mentions that Caltha leptosepala was previously classified under the Helleboraceae family, but reclassified to Ranunculaceae (Buttercup) family

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to marshes and stream valleys.
• Mentioned in the context of Idaho, United States.

Ecological Role

• High sulphur deposition can be captured and end up in the groundwater, which can cause the poisoning of many aquatic and marsh plants.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A small to medium size perennial herbaceous plant.
• Flowering occurs from as early as March, with their best bloom being April to July.
• Growth habit: Forb
• Var. sulfurea has pale yellow sepals

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Sulphur Marsh Marigold is a host plant for the orange sulphur, clouded sulphur, and eastern-tailed blue butterflies.
• Slugs may interact with this plant.

Quirky Facts

• The text mentions that Sulphur cinquefoil flowers are usually soft yellow, but sometimes they are white.
• Marsh Marigold is a tautogram (all words start with the same letter).

Related Species

• Caltha palustris (Marsh-marigold and kingcup)
• Caltha natans (White Marsh-marigold)
• Ranunculus sulphureus (Sulphur Buttercup)
• Potentilla recta (Sulphur Cinquefoil)

Further Information

• Garden Guides is referenced as a source of information.