Plant of the Month
Marsh Marigold by Dave Dister
After a long snowy winter, among the most eagerly sought spring wildflowers is the marsh marigold (Caltha palustris). The common name originates from the Middle Ages, when it was called "the flower of the Virgin Mary," or "Mary’s gold." Despite its common name which suggests the cultivated marigold of the aster family, this perennial plant is actually a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) ─ known for their bright yellow "flowers," which are actually petal-like sepals. The marsh marigold flower is composed of 5 to 9 shiny bright yellow sepals, and 50 to 120 yellow stamens. The seeds mature in papery pods called follicles. Peak flowering for this marsh, bog, and swamp species occurs in April across the Great Lakes region.
Marsh marigold is circumpolar. Its range extends southward to Iowa and Virginia, except in the mountains where it occurs further south to North Carolina and Tennessee. The thick waxy heart-shaped leaves have succulent hollow stems, and the stalked flowers can be as much as 1.5 inches wide. Although most plants are about one foot or less in height, a colony of marsh marigold in prime wetland habitat can provide an impressive carpet of yellow unmatched in the spring. Of course, you will likely have to "get your feet wet" to find such a sight, but it is always worth the effort.
Sometimes erroneously referred to as "cowslip," marsh marigold was well known as a potherb in colonial times. And the flower buds were sometimes pickled as a substitute for capers. However, this plant contains a poisonous glucoside that requires cooking with frequent changes of water. Better to just take photos!
Lastly, it has been discovered that marsh marigold flowers are pollinated by bees that can perceive its nectar guides (i.e., hidden lines in petals directing insects to nectar). The ability to see ultraviolet light allows bees to locate such nectar guides while cross-pollinating flower upon flower. No doubt other insects such as butterflies have similar visual abilities in pursuit of food sources.
Plant of the Month Archives
December 2008 - Witch Hazel
January 2009 - Winterberry
March 2009 - Desert Ironwood
April 2009 - Marsh Marigold