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marsh marigold
Scientific Name: Caltha
Family: Ranunculaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)
Caltha palustris, commonly known as marsh marigold or kingcup, is a cheerful perennial herb that thrives in wet environments.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- The plant contains the toxic glycoside protoanemonine, especially in older parts of the plant.
Common Names
- Marsh Marigold
- Kingcup
- Double Yellow Marigold
- Cowslip (Note: This name is also used for Primula veris, so be careful not to confuse the two.)
- Yellow Marsh Marigold
- Molly-Blobs
- Horse-Blobs
- Water-Blobs
- Water-Bubbles
- Mayflower
- May blobs
- Marybuds
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Caltha palustris
- Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
- Genus: Caltha, containing rhizomatous herbaceous perennials
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to marshes, fens, ditches, and wet woodlands in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
- Found in North America, from Newfoundland to Alaska, in marshes, swamps, wet meadows, and stream margins.
- Common in wet areas, pond sides, water meadows, and wet woodlands.
Morphological Characteristics
- Small to medium-sized perennial herbaceous plant, typically growing to 50cm.
- Rhizomatous perennial.
- Leaves are simple, usually heart-shaped, large, glossy, scalloped, and dark green. They can be kidney-shaped, heart-shaped, or round.
- Flowers are cup-shaped, yellow or white, and appear in early spring.
- Each flower has 5 to 8 glossy yellow petals (actually sepals).
- Flowers are 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) across.
- Stems are hollow.
Ecological Role
- Good for colonizing areas to encourage wildlife.
- Attracts many insects to its large yellow flowers, perfect for pollinators.
Quirky Facts
- The Latin name Caltha comes from the Greek word for "goblet", referring to the cup-like shape of the flowers.
- Marsh Marigold has many traditional and folklore names.
Further Information
- Learn more from amazing Marsh marigold photos and facts on ARKive.