Caltha palustris - MARSH MARIGOLD

Marsh marigolds are hardy and quite common perennials that can be found throughout the whole northern hemisphere, thriving in temperate zones.

Caltha palustris has leathery, light green, round leaves and large, golden-yellow flowers in late spring through early summer. It emerges quickly in the early spring, immediately followed by the flower buds. It is unpalatable to herbivores, but the seeds are eaten by the Wood Duck, Sora Rail, and some upland gamebirds, as well as by small rodents.

This is a very nice early spring plant for shallow water, water margins, ponds or water gardens, wet or boggy soils, rain gardens, and wet ditches.

Picture copyright : Doug McGrady, Flickr

Blooming Time: April - June
Size: 1-1.5' tall and wide
USDA Zones: 3 to 7
Culture: full sun to half or dappled shade
Moisture Needs: moist, wet, boggy and waterlogged soils
Origin: this wetland wildflower is native to the USA (many Midwest and Northeast states, California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska) and Canada (see the USDA distribution map)
Deer/Rabbit Resistant: yes / yes
Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators: native bees (Giant Bee Fly, Halictid bees), honey bees, flies and other insects
Attracts Hummingbirds: no
Pot Size: square 3.5" x 4" deep perennial pot