Caltha palustris
A showy wetland inhabitant with yellow flowers similar to those of a buttercup
Caltha palustris marsh marigold
An erect, glabrous, succulent perennial herb with showy, shiny clusters of buttercup-like flowers. Leaves are mostly basal, glossy, heart or kidney-shaped. Stems are thick, hollow, and branching. Grows up to 2 feet tall and inhabits a variety of wetlands - marshes, damp woods, swamps, and bogs.
Habitat & Range
Wet open woods and meadows, marshes, swamps, and bogs.
Present throughout the state.
| EMP: | OBL |
|---|---|
| NCNE: | OBL |
Phenology
Flowers April through early July.
Characteristics
Flowers rise above leaves; 2 to 5 per stem on naked stalks; bright, shiny yellow with 5 petal-like sepals and highly visible veins radiating from the base. Ring of many yellow stamens in the center.
Basal leaves rounded or cordate, entire or crenate; petioles up to 20 cm.
Cauline leaves alternate, similar to basal, reducing upward.
Fruits divergent follicles, up to 14 mm long, short-beaked. The follicle is initially green and erect, spreading out with age and turning light green-brown, releases the many seeds.
Plant Codes
S-rank: No rank
G-rank: G5 (Secure)
Caltha palustris marsh marigold
