Caltha palustris, commonly known as Marsh Marigold or Kingcup, is a perennial flowering plant native to wetland habitats in Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and is known for its bright yellow flowers that resemble marigolds. Here's more information about this plant:
Appearance:
Marsh Marigold is characterized by its glossy, heart-shaped leaves and vibrant yellow flowers.
The flowers are usually solitary and have 5 to 9 petal-like sepals, which give them a marigold-like appearance. The actual petals are small and inconspicuous.
The plant grows to a height of about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) and produces a basal rosette of leaves.
Habitat:
As the name suggests, Marsh Marigold is commonly found in wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, stream banks, and along the edges of ponds and ditches.
It prefers locations with consistently moist to wet soil and can even tolerate shallow water.
Blooming Period:
Marsh Marigold typically blooms in the early spring to early summer, providing a burst of color in wetland areas after the winter months.
Cultural Uses:
While Marsh Marigold is not used in culinary applications like true marigolds, it has been used in traditional herbal medicine for various purposes. However, caution is advised, as some parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested.
Wildlife Attraction:
The flowers of Marsh Marigold attract early-season pollinators like bees and butterflies, providing a crucial food source for these insects.
Garden Cultivation:
Marsh Marigold can be cultivated in garden settings with consistently moist or wet soil. It's often used in water gardens or along the edges of ponds.
If you're growing it in a garden, ensure that the soil remains consistently moist and avoid letting it dry out.
Propagation:
Marsh Marigold can be propagated from seeds, divisions, or by planting young plants purchased from nurseries.
Seeds should be sown in moist soil and kept in a cool, dark place to undergo a period of cold stratification before germinating.
 
Growing Instructions
 
Caltha palustris, commonly known as Marsh Marigold or Kingcup, is a perennial flowering plant native to wetland habitats in Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and is known for its bright yellow flowers that resemble marigolds. Here's more information about this plant:
Appearance:
Marsh Marigold is characterized by its glossy, heart-shaped leaves and vibrant yellow flowers.
The flowers are usually solitary and have 5 to 9 petal-like sepals, which give them a marigold-like appearance. The actual petals are small and inconspicuous.
The plant grows to a height of about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) and produces a basal rosette of leaves.
Habitat:
As the name suggests, Marsh Marigold is commonly found in wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, stream banks, and along the edges of ponds and ditches.
It prefers locations with consistently moist to wet soil and can even tolerate shallow water.
Blooming Period:
Marsh Marigold typically blooms in the early spring to early summer, providing a burst of color in wetland areas after the winter months.
Cultural Uses:
While Marsh Marigold is not used in culinary applications like true marigolds, it has been used in traditional herbal medicine for various purposes. However, caution is advised, as some parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested.
Wildlife Attraction:
The flowers of Marsh Marigold attract early-season pollinators like bees and butterflies, providing a crucial food source for these insects.
Garden Cultivation:
Marsh Marigold can be cultivated in garden settings with consistently moist or wet soil. It's often used in water gardens or along the edges of ponds.
If you're growing it in a garden, ensure that the soil remains consistently moist and avoid letting it dry out.