marsh marigold

Caltha palustris

Marsh marigolds are bright yellow flowers that bloom in wet areas. They look like little suns shining in the marshes and are loved by many insects.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The marsh marigold has bright, waxy, cup-shaped yellow flowers, often with 5-9 petals. Its glossy, kidney-shaped leaves are vibrant green, forming dense clumps close to the ground.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRanunculalesFamilyRanunculaceaeGenusCaltha

marsh marigold

Interesting facts

Its bright yellow petals reflect light, warming its flowers like tiny sun-collectors!

Its scientific name, Caltha, means 'goblet' or 'cup' in Greek!

Pickled marsh marigold flower buds were once eaten like capers!

These sunny flowers are not true marigolds; they're buttercup family!

Special abilities

Marsh marigold has special roots that can handle standing water, helping it thrive in soggy soil where other plants would drown.

It can flower very early in spring, giving it a head start attracting pollinators before many other plants wake up.

Its seeds can float on water, allowing them to travel to and colonize new wet areas for reproduction.

Measurements & details

Height: 15-60 cm
Spread: 20-40 cm
Flower Size: 2-5 cm
Bloom Season: Early spring to summer
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

A key pollinator for early spring blooms.

pollinates

Common hoverfly

Syrphus ribesii

Larvae eat aphids, adults pollinate flowers.

Traits

Flowering

These are the plants that produce beautiful blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding splashes of color to our world. Each flower is a tiny marvel!

Spring Blooming

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.

Broadleaf Tree

Discover magnificent trees that have wide, flat leaves, unlike the needles of pine trees! These are often the trees that change colors beautifully in autumn.

Medicinal

Discover special plants that people have used for centuries to help them feel better or stay healthy, often found in nature's own medicine cabinet.

Edible

Find plants that are safe and delicious to eat, offering tasty treats and nourishment from nature's pantry. Always check with an adult before tasting!

Pollinator Magnet

Discover plants that are irresistible to our pollinator friends! These beauties are super attractive to bees, butterflies, and other helpful creatures, creating a buzzing hub of activity.

Wetland

These fascinating areas are covered by water for at least part of the year, creating a perfect home for unique plants and animals, like marshes and swamps.