Marsh Marigold, a Favorite Spring Bloom

Marsh marigolds resemble massive buttercups. It is a popular spring plant because of its vivid yellow blooms that bloom in moist soil. Yellow marsh marigold is a mounded perennial native to wet meadows, swamps, marshes, fens, and stream edges in Canada and North America from Newfoundland to Alaska and south to Nebraska, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Marsh Marigolds may be found nearly everywhere there is water and sunlight.

The Marsh Marigold is no relation to the actual marigold plant, which is a member of the Aster family.

Quick Growing Guide

Botanical Name: Caltha palustris

Also Called: Cowslip, Kingcup

En français: Populage des marais

Colour:

• Yellow

Blooms:

• Spring

Sun / Shade:

• Full Sun
• Partial Sun

Water: This plant requires very moist or wet soil.

Soil:

• Moist
• Wet

Height:

• Up to 2 feet (60 cm)

Width:

• Up to 2 feet (60cms)

Pollinators:

• Bees
• Bumble bees

Hardiness Zones:

• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8

Care:

• Easy to Care and Grow

Where to Plant

Marsh marigold may be found in nature around streams and pond borders, marshes, and meadows. Marsh Marigold is ideal for a water garden, bog garden, along the edges of a pond or stream, or to naturalise in low-lying places.

Pollinators

The nectar and pollen of the blooms mostly attract flies and bees. Bombylius major (Giant Bee Fly), Syrphid flies, Halictid bees, honey bees, and other species are included.

Propagating Caltha palustris

Transplanting

To transplant, dig up clumps of marsh marigold and separate the rhizomes. It flourishes on damp to completely submerged soil that is rich, wet, or marshy.

By Division

Marsh marigold root division is an efficient way of propagation. Divide in early spring, when the leaves emerge, while wearing a glove to protect your skin from the plant’s toxins. Water the roots well after replanting.

From Seed

To gather seeds, drape cloth bags over the seed heads to prevent the seeds from dispersing. Seeds should be planted 1/4′′ below the surface in the autumn or early spring, not allowed to dry out. If planted from seed, marsh marigold flowers will not appear until the third year after germination.

Caring for Marsh Marigold

The marsh marigolds are hardy. They are often planted beside bodies of water, such as streams and ponds, and are among the first pond plants to bloom in the spring. Full sun is best for the most prolific blooming. However, if your region is prone to severe, scorching, punishing sunshine during the summer, some shade is recommended.

Fertilizing is not generally required.

Companion Plants

Hibiscus, Ligularia, and other plants that require damp soils are suggested as companion plants.

Pruning Populage des marais

There is no requirement for frequent trimming or care. However, if you deadhead the foliage and blossoms, they will often flower again. To deadhead, find the bottom of the stem holding each flower, down to the first set of leaves. Pinch the stem between two fingers and snap it off. Or, using a pair of pruners, cut the stem off. Deadheading can be done repeatedly throughout the season, for a chance at continuous blooming.

Medicinal

Native Americans utilised its roots to heal colds and wounds, induce vomiting, defend against love charms, and help in birthing, however this is no longer advised. Despite the risks, some people apply marsh marigold straight to their skin to treat wounds and sores. When cooked, certain sections of the plant are edible with caution. Raw consumption of the plant might result in toxicity. The plant contains protoanemonin, a chemical that, when consumed in excessive amounts, produces convulsions, throat burning, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, disorientation, and fainting.