Marsh Marigold
Caltha palustris
A cheerful wetland perennial that lights up pond edges and marshes with glossy, buttercup-yellow flowers in early spring. A member of the buttercup family, it thrives in mud and standing water where few other flowers bloom so early.
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- High; wet or boggy soil
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) is an early-blooming perennial of wet ground, belonging to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) rather than to true marigolds. Its shiny, deep-yellow flowers appear in early spring, often among the first splashes of color along water's edge.
Despite the common name 'cowslip' used in some regions, it is unrelated to the true cowslip (Primula veris). The waxy sheen of its petals is characteristic of buttercup relatives.
It forms mounded clumps of rounded, glossy leaves and is a natural choice for bog gardens, pond margins, and rain gardens.
How to identify it
Look for clumps of glossy round leaves and bright yellow buttercup-like flowers in wet ground.
- Flowers: Five to nine glossy, golden-yellow petal-like sepals (no true petals), about 1 to 2 inches across
- Leaves: Rounded to kidney-shaped, glossy dark green, with slightly toothed margins
- Habit: Mounded, clump-forming
- Size: 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) tall and wide
- Bloom time: Early to mid-spring
Care & growing
Marsh marigold is easy where its love of moisture is satisfied.
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Needs constantly wet or boggy soil; tolerates shallow standing water
- Soil: Rich, mucky, moisture-retentive soil
- Temperature: Very cold-hardy; may go summer-dormant if soil dries
- Propagation: By seed or by division in spring or after flowering
Habitat & origin
Marsh marigold is native across the cool temperate Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
It grows in marshes, wet meadows, swamps, ditches, stream banks, and the margins of ponds, wherever soil stays saturated.
It is widely grown in bog gardens, around water features, and in rain gardens where its early color and tolerance of wet feet are prized.
Frequently asked questions
Is marsh marigold a true marigold?
No. It belongs to the buttercup family and is unrelated to true marigolds (Tagetes) or to the true cowslip primrose.
Where does marsh marigold grow best?
In constantly wet or boggy soil, including shallow standing water along pond and stream margins.
When does it bloom?
In early to mid-spring, making it one of the first wetland flowers to provide color and pollen for early pollinators.
Marsh Marigold guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Marsh Marigold.
