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Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris 

 
 
Wildlife GardenWildlife garden plant
Attracts BeesBees are attracted to this plant
Attracts HoverfliesHoverflies are attracted to this plant
Attracts BirdsBirds are attracted to this plant
Perennial Life CyclePerennial life cycle
Cup-Shaped FlowersCup-shaped flowers
Yellow FlowersYellow flowers
5 Petals5 petals
Mar-Jun Flowering
period
Heart-Shaped LeavesHeart-shaped leaves
Toothed LeavesToothed leaves
Ribbed StemRibbed stem
Fibrous RootsFibrous roots
50cmMaximum height
 
 
  Main image of Marsh Marigold
© 2021 Adrian Briggs
 

Marsh Marigold is a native perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in water margins, marshes and damp ground, to a mature height of up to 50cm.

Marsh Marigold is also known as Kingcup, after the cup-like shape of its golden flowers. As a native early-flowering plant, Marsh Marigold is frequently included in wildlife gardens to provide colour and nectar for insect pollinators. After flowering, it also provides seed for birds and rodents to feed on.

Botanic classification and naming: Marsh Marigold is a member of the Buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family. The genus name 'Caltha' identifies the plant as a Marsh Marigold and its species name 'palustris' means 'marsh-loving plant'.

Concerns: The Marsh Marigold is toxic. In contact with the skin, its sap can cause rashes and blistering. If ingested, it affects the digestive and nervous systems.

Benefits: Can be used as a wildlife bog garden plant.

Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.

 

 
Flower of Marsh Marigold

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Flowers:
Marsh Marigold usually flowers between March and June.

Flower colour:

Flower Colour Yellow

Yellow

Flower shape:

Flower Shape  Cup

Cup

Petals:

Petal Number =  5

5

Leaf of Marsh Marigold

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Leaves:

Leaf Shape:

Leaf Shape is Heart

Heart

Or:

Alternative Leaf Shape is Rounded

Rounded

Leaf Margins:

Leaf Margin is toothed

toothed

Stem of Marsh Marigold

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Stem and Roots:

Stem shape:

Stem Shape is Ribbed

Ribbed

Root type:

Root Type is Fibrous

Fibrous