marshmarigold

Marshmarigold, scientifically known as Caltha palustris, is a perennial flowering plant found in wetlands across the Northern Hemisphere. It is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. The plant is characterized by its bright yellow, buttercup-like flowers that typically bloom in spring. These flowers are five-petaled and are often solitary or borne in small clusters. Marshmarigold leaves are kidney-shaped to heart-shaped and are typically dark green and somewhat glossy.

This plant thrives in moist to wet environments, including marshes, swamps, bogs, and along stream banks and ditches. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is often found in shallow water or saturated soil. Marshmarigold is a valuable plant for wetland ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various insects and amphibians. While the flowers are attractive, all parts of the marshmarigold plant are considered poisonous if ingested raw due to the presence of protoanemonin, which can cause irritation and gastrointestinal distress. However, it is sometimes used in traditional medicine, and some sources suggest cooking may reduce its toxicity. The plant is sometimes referred to by other common names such as kingcup or may-blob.