Species › Plants › Marsh Marigold

Marsh Marigold

Caltha palustris

CommonPlant
Illustration of Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)

Marsh Marigold is a striking early-spring wildflower of cold, wet habitats, producing brilliant golden-yellow flowers when little else is blooming. It forms mats along stream edges and seeps in cool northern forests. Despite its attractive appearance, the plant is mildly toxic if eaten raw. Early bees and flies are its primary pollinators.

Habitat
Cold wet seeps, spring streams, and boggy areas across northern North America
Diet
Nectar and pollen for early-season native bees and flies
How common
Common

Best time to see a Marsh Marigold

The best time to see a Marsh Marigold is April–May, when about 86% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 24,997 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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