Marsh Marigold


The bright yellow flowers of the marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) are easy to mistake for the cowslip (primula veris). Both are widespread over Europe, Asia, and the U.S. However, the cowslip is a denizen of fields and pastures while the marsh marigold inhabits sloughs and stream banks.

The marsh marigold has been used for medicinal purposes throughout history and has appeared in literature as far back as the time of Shakespeare. The complete plant is edible but bitter in taste if eaten raw. Most often, the leaves are cooked and eaten like spinach.

Related to and resembling a large buttercup, the marsh marigold sprouts from large tufts of growth that spawn large, glossy, kidney-shaped leaves and long, hollow stems, which seem to split into two flower stalks, each bearing a single blossom that may reach two inches in diameter.

You may see wild marsh marigolds in bloom from mid-March through June, but then this demure plant seems to vanish as quickly as it appeared in the spring! Definitely a wildflower, the plant is an herbaceous perennial that is also well-suited as an addition to garden pond edges. Tolerant of light levels from full sun to part shade, the marsh marigold is also a good choice for container gardening in shallow water features.

To grow the marsh marigold, soil should be kept mucky. This is one plant that does like wet feet! Even during dormancy, be sure to keep the soil moist. Propagate the plant by dividing its roots in the autumn.

Linda is leading author of the Flower Gardening section of Gardening Guides.com







Related News



Jeannie Erickson loves to garden - Tampabay.com

Jeannie Erickson loves to garden
Tampabay.com, FL -6 hours ago
For about 10 years, I was manager of the landscaping committee at the waterfall entrance to Spring Hill at the intersection of Commercial Way. ...

Landscape construction class offers students a hands-on gardening ... - StarNewsOnline.com

Landscape construction class offers students a hands-on gardening...
StarNewsOnline.com, NC -Aug 29, 2008
Some of them will complete two semesters and hope to earn State Certification in Landscape Gardening or State Certification in Retention Pond Management (an ...

The demand for Outdoor Lighting is growing quicker than the plants. - Corsavoo.com

The demand for Outdoor Lighting is growing quicker than the plants.
Corsavoo.com, France -21 minutes ago
Solar outdoor lighting can be purchased in a assortment of styles from several makers offering solar landscape decor that befit your style. This garden...

Tetanus shot may be gardener's best tool - Seattle Times

Tetanus shot may be gardener's best tool
Seattle Times, United States -Sep 6, 2008
The classic tetanus-inducing mishap is stepping on a rusty nail, but landscaping and yard work actually account for about a third of the cases reported in ...

Gardening: Plan planting ahead of hurricanes - The News-Press

Gardening: Plan planting ahead of hurricanes
The News-Press, FL -23 hours ago
The landscaping and woods in southern Lee County will feel the effects of Tropical Storm Fay for years to come, and some trees will eventually die an early ...

Good soil is key to landscape gardening - Canada.com

Good soil is key to landscape gardening
Canada.com, Canada -2 hours ago
It truly is one of the main rules of landscaping. Poor soil or soil that has not been amended can lead to years of frustration for the gardener. ...

Landscaping with love for the Chesapeake Bay - Baltimore Sun

Landscaping with love for the Chesapeake Bay
Baltimore Sun, United States -Sep 4, 2008
... and requires nontraditional gardening techniques. Fourteen other Maryland counties and Baltimore City offer certification in Bay-Wise landscaping, ...

A garden and a park threatened - Christian Science Monitor

A garden and a park threatened
Christian Science Monitor, MA -Sep 4, 2008
Some of the most popular articles on the Monitor’s gardening site recently have been about edible landscaping and the increase in home gardens. ...

New Jersey Pinelands Commission To Hold Fair - Jakson Time

New Jersey Pinelands Commission To Hold Fair
Jakson Time, NJ -14 hours ago
The event will also feature guided nature walks, professional assistance with landscape design, information on fire-safe landscaping and numerous gardening...

Saudi Gardentech 2008 - ArabianBusiness.com

Saudi Gardentech 2008
ArabianBusiness.com, United Arab Emirates -4 hours ago
Everything will be on display, spanning a wide variety of gardening and landscaping products and services. From irrigation and turf products, fertilizers, ...