Caltha palustris

Common Names

Marsh Marigold, King Cup, Cowslip, Yellow Marsh Marigold

Summary

Marsh marigold is a native temperate aquatic perennial in the Ranunculaceae family that forms spreading clumps from a short rhizome, with hollow stems, glossy heart-shaped leaves, and bright yellow cup-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring. It grows about 0.3 m (12–18 in) tall and is found in wetlands, boggy soils, pond margins, and along streams across Europe, Asia, and North America.

It tolerates consistently moist to waterlogged soil and full sun to partial shade, handling standing water and hardy to zones 3–7. Propagation occurs by division after flowering or by seed (division yields faster blooms; seeds may take years to bloom); it can self-seed. Deer resistant, though powdery mildew and rust may appear. Common landscape uses include ponds, bog gardens, rain gardens, and wetlands planting, with the plant providing early nectar and pollen for pollinators; note that all parts are poisonous if ingested raw.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8-24 inches

Spread

12-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Loamy, consistently moist to boggy soil rich in organic matter

Soil Drainage

Consistently moist to wet soil, often with standing water.

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring through Summer

Foliage Color

Green with a pale underside

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

2–5 years to flower

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds