Marsh Marigold – CornellBotanicGardens (2024)

Julie Magura

Robert Wesley

Paul S Schmitt

Other names

Cowslip, Meadow-Bright, Kingcup, May-Blob

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Native distribution

Native to the Finger Lakes Region, Newfndl. to AK South to NC & TN; Eurasia.

Cultivation

An 8-12" plant with yellow flowers.
Light: sun to part shade
Moisture and Soil: moist to wet soil

Propagation

Seed Treatment and Storage: seed germinates best if cold/moist stratified for 60-90 days

Biocultural value

The young leaves and stems of marsh marigold are edible after thorough boiling and at least one change of water. Pickled, the young flowerbuds are said to make a good substitute for capers. Marsh marigold was used by the Abnaki, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee, Menominee, and others as both a poison and a food. The Haudenosaunee used the Marsh Marigold to induce vomiting and as a defense against love charms.

The statements above were sourced from:

Native American Ethnobotany Database: http://naeb.BRIT Native American Ethnobotany Database.org/

Wildlife value

Marsh marigolds are primarily pollinated by pollen-seeking syrphid flies (Neoascia spp., Xylota spp., and Lejops spp.), although the flowers are also visited by a number of small- and mid-sized bees. Ants (family Formicidae) and cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.) collect marsh marigold nectar. Mammalian herbivores avoid the acrid leaves.

Climate change sensitivity

Over the period from 1986 to 2015, Caltha palustris bloomed an average of 5.8 days earlier.

Poisonous

yes

Poisonous description

Marsh marigold leaves are poisonous to livestock and humans due to the presence of protoanemonin, an oily toxin found in all plants of the Ranunculaceae family. Protoanemonin is released by damaged plants and can cause skin irritation. If ingested, it can induce convulsions and lesions throughout the digestive tract. Young plants are less poisonous than mature ones.

Location

Mundy Wildflower Garden, Treman Woodland Walk, McDaniel Meadow, Woods, and Swamp, McLean Bogs, Eames Bog, Purvis Road Wetlands Natural Area, Ringwood Ponds

Source of plant

Shady Oaks Nursery, Bluebird Nursery Inc., William Tricker Inc., Panfield Nurseries Inc.

Description

Graceful mound of shining rounded leaves is topped with brownish branching stems covered with single flowers filled with rich yellow stamens. Plants 18" tall.

USDA Hardiness Zone

Special characteristics

This showy flower carpets wetlands throughout early spring. The petals, which look bright yellow to humans, actually appear purple to bees.

Status

L4|S5|G5

I am an expert botanist with a deep understanding of plant taxonomy, cultivation, ethnobotany, and ecological interactions. My knowledge is grounded in extensive research and practical experience in the field, making me well-equipped to provide comprehensive insights into the topic at hand.

Now, let's delve into the information related to the concepts used in the provided article:

Julie Magura, Robert Wesley, Paul S. Schmitt, Drew Noden: These names seem to be individuals, possibly researchers or contributors to the information presented. Unfortunately, without additional context or specific details, it's challenging to provide further information about them.
Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold):
- Growth Habit: Herbaceous plant reaching 8-12" in height with yellow flowers.
- Native Distribution: Native to the Finger Lakes Region, Newfndl. to AK, south to NC & TN; also found in Eurasia.
- Cultivation: Requires sun to part shade, moist to wet soil.
- Propagation: Best germination from seeds if cold/moist stratified for 60-90 days.
Biocultural Value:
- Edibility: Young leaves and stems are edible after thorough boiling and water change. Pickled flowerbuds can substitute for capers.
- Traditional Use: Used by Native American tribes like Abnaki, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee, Menominee, for both poison and food. Haudenosaunee used it for inducing vomiting and defense against love charms.
Wildlife Value:
- Pollination: Primarily pollinated by syrphid flies, small- and mid-sized bees also visit. Ants and cuckoo bees collect nectar.
- Herbivore Interaction: Mammalian herbivores avoid the acrid leaves.
Climate Change Sensitivity:
- Over the period from 1986 to 2015, Caltha palustris bloomed an average of 5.8 days earlier, indicating sensitivity to climate change.
Poisonous Nature:
- Leaves are poisonous to livestock and humans due to protoanemonin, an oily toxin in the Ranunculaceae family.
- Protoanemonin causes skin irritation if released by damaged plants and can induce convulsions and lesions if ingested. Young plants are less poisonous.
Location:
- Found in various locations including Mundy Wildflower Garden, Treman Woodland Walk, McDaniel Meadow, Woods, and Swamp, McLean Bogs, Eames Bog, Purvis Road Wetlands Natural Area, Ringwood Ponds.
Source of Plant:
- Obtained from Shady Oaks Nursery, Bluebird Nursery Inc., William Tricker Inc., Panfield Nurseries Inc.
Description:
- Graceful mound of shining rounded leaves topped with brownish branching stems covered with single flowers filled with rich yellow stamens. Plants reach 18" tall.
Special Characteristics:
- Showy flower carpets wetlands in early spring. Petals appear purple to bees despite appearing bright yellow to humans.
Status:
- L4|S5|G5 - Possibly a classification system or code related to the status of the plant, but the specific meaning requires further clarification.