Caltha palustris Marsh marigold (Ranunculaceae)

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Caltha palustris
Marsh marigold
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The Caltha palustris plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Marsh marigold.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Caltha palustris
Common Name:  Marsh marigold
Family:  Ranunculaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The whole plant, but especially the older portions, contains the toxic glucoside protoanemonin - this is destroyed by heat[172]. The sap can irritate sensitive skin[172].

Mature Height:  0.3   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  Wet areas in marshes, fens, ditches and wet alder woods[17, 19]. Rare on very base poor peat[17].

Cultivation Notes: A plant of the waterside, it prefers growing in a sunny position in wet soils or shallow water up to 15cm deep[1, 111, 233], though it will tolerate drier conditions if there is shade from the summer sun[233]. Another report says that it grows best in partial shade[17]. Requires a deep rich slightly alkaline soil[31, 111]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a chalky soil[31]. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.8 to 7.5. A very ornamental[1] and polymorphic plant[17], there are some named varieties[233]. Plants often self-sow when well sited[208]. A good bee plant[24]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54]. This species is probably the most primitive flower in the British flora[17].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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