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].

Medicinal Information: Every part of this plant is strongly irritant and so it should be used with caution[4]. The whole plant is anodyne, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant and rubefacient[21, 172]. It has been used to remove warts and is also used in the treatment of fits and anaemia[4, 21, 172]. The root is antirheumatic, diaphoretic, emetic and expectorant[218, 222]. A decoction is used in the treatment of colds[257]. A poultice of the boiled and mashed roots has been applied to sores[257]. A tea made from the leaves is diuretic and laxative[222, 257]. All parts of the plant can irritate or blister the skin or mucous membranes[222].

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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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