Caltha palustris - Marsh marigold

Morphology/Growth Habits: This beautiful wildflower is a member of the buttercup family! Shiny yellow flowers bloom in spring, giving an early vibrance to your garden. Low-lying and spreads by rhizomes and seeds. Round, heart-shaped leaves with long stems. While it is abundant in the Northeast, this wildflower is endangered in the more central and southern areas of its range due to habitat loss and climate change. 

Height: 1-1.5 ft

Light: Full Sun-Part Shade

Moisture: Wet

Bloom color: Yellow

Bloom time: April-June

Habitat/Best Environments: This plant loves wetlands! It grows in marshes, bogs, wet woodlands, and streambanks. Grows best in shallow water, water gardens, and wet, boggy soil. This plant requires consistently moist soil. For best inflorescence, plant in an area with full sun, but ideally some shade in summer afternoons. In spring, during its bloom, it can also tolerate standing water/flooding, making it a good option for rain gardens. 

Ecological relationships: Primary pollinators for this flower are small native bess, hoverflies, and the giant bee fly. Host plant for several leaf beetle species. The acidity in its foliage makes it resistant to most mammals. Birds enjoy its seeds.

*Parts of this plant can be cooked and eaten, though never raw. Various parts of it are eaten in various Indigenous cultures. Flower buds can be cooked and pickled in vinegar while young leaves can be boiled and eaten as greens.

Leaves of this plant contain protoanemonin, which when eaten in large quantities can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and fainting. No part of this plant should be eaten raw.  

*Please soil test and do proper research before growing a plant for human consumption.