Marsh Marigold, Yellow marsh marigold

Caltha palustris

Physical Characteristics

Caltha palustris is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from March to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, beetles, flies. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

Much of the northern Temperate zone in Europe, including Britain, N. America and Asia..

Habitats

Ground Cover; Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Edible Uses: Root - must be well cooked[183]. The raw root should not be eaten[K]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Flower buds - raw, cooked or pickled and used as a caper substitute[142, 183]. Eating the raw flower buds can lead to intoxication[222]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young leaves - raw or cooked[2, 46, 55, 62, 161]. The leaves are harvested in the spring as the plant is coming into flower and is used like spinach after cooking in two or more changes of water[2, 183]. Eating the raw leaves can lead to intoxication[222]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Older leaves, before the plant flowers, can be eaten if they are well cooked[172]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antirheumatic Antispasmodic Diaphoretic Diuretic Expectorant Irritant Rubefacient Warts Every part of this plant is strongly irritant and so it should be used with caution[4]. The whole plant is anodyne, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant and rubefacient[21, 172]. It has been used to remove warts and is also used in the treatment of fits and anaemia[4, 21, 172]. The root is antirheumatic, diaphoretic, emetic and expectorant[218, 222]. A decoction is used in the treatment of colds[257]. A poultice of the boiled and mashed roots has been applied to sores[257]. A tea made from the leaves is diuretic and laxative[222, 257]. All parts of the plant can irritate or blister the skin or mucous membranes[222].

Known Hazards

The whole plant, but especially the older portions, contains the toxic glycoside protoanemonin - this is destroyed by heat[172]. The sap can irritate sensitive skin[172].