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].

Edible Uses: Root - must be well cooked[183]. The raw root should not be eaten[K]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Flower buds - raw, cooked or pickled and used as a caper substitute[142, 183]. Eating the raw flower buds can lead to intoxication[222]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young leaves - raw or cooked[2, 46, 55, 62, 161]. The leaves are harvested in the spring as the plant is coming into flower and is used like spinach after cooking in two or more changes of water[2, 183]. Eating the raw leaves can lead to intoxication[222]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Older leaves, before the plant flowers, can be eaten if they are well cooked[172]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

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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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