Caltha palustris - Marsh Marigold
DESCRIPTION
Marsh MarigoldCaltha palustris
Native to northern states and Canada, this little beauty is at home at pond's edge or along a stream. It is clumping by nature, but can seed in to form a dense groundcover in a consistently moist site. In early spring hundreds of bright yellow buttercup flowers dot the green carpet of glossy foliage. Deer usually leave this alone. Great choice for a rain garden. Found in marshes, swamps, and wet meadows from North Carolina to Alaska.
BENEFITS
- Bright yellow flowers early in spring
- Nectar source for butterflies and native bees
- Provides cover for wildlife like frogs
- Seeds are eaten by wood ducks and some gamebirds and chipmunks
- Naturalizes and spreads in good conditions
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Wet woods, swamps, shallow marshes; Newfoundland to Manitoba south to North Dakota Illinois then to North Carolina. (Also from Alaska to the Northwest Territories, south to British Columbia)
Map Credit: The Biota of North America
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)
INTERESTING FACTS
A small backyard pond would be a perfect setting for this plant. Marsh marigold will attract frogs, dragonflies, birds, and other small animals.
GROWING TIPS
Plant in full sun to light shade in rich soil. Will grow in soil that is wet in spring and drier later in the year though plants may go dormant in summer. Great choice for a rain garden. Will naturalize to form a nice colony.