Marsh marigold

caltha palustris

Also known as: ["Kingcup","Cowslip"]

Family: Ranunculaceae Genus: Caltha Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to wetlands, known for its bright yellow flowers in early spring.

Benefits & Perks

["early flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","wetland plant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Caltha
Botanical Name: Caltha palustris

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: Wetland gardens, boggy areas, or near ponds
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
  • Misting: Rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moist to wet; does not tolerate dry soil.
  • Soil Type: Rich, organic, moisture-retentive soil; prefers boggy or wet conditions.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or yellowing leaves.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light but prefers dappled sunlight for 3–4 hours/day.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from deep shade; protect from intense midday sun; ideal for woodland or bog garden settings.

Warning Signs: Yellowing or wilting leaves indicate improper soil moisture; check for root rot in overly wet conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

Partial to full shade

Avoid direct sun; plant in shaded areas; monitor for leaf scorch in bright conditions.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, watering every 2–3 days during active growth

Maintain high soil moisture; avoid letting soil dry out; water more frequently during warm periods.

Soil

Rich, moist, organic soil that does not dry out

pH: Acidic to neutral, pH 5.5–7.0.

Ensure soil stays consistently moist; amend with organic matter; avoid sandy or fast-draining soils.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); thrives in cooler climates and dislikes heat.

Keep in cool, shaded spots; protect from heat waves; adjust watering in temperature extremes.

Fertilizing

Every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer

Fertilize sparingly; focus on organic matter in soil; stop feeding in fall.

Propagation

Methods

Division or seed; division is more reliable for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Divide clumps into sections with roots.
  2. Replant immediately.
  3. Water well.
  4. Or sow seeds shallowly in moist soil.

Best Time: Early spring before new growth begins; or late summer after flowering.

Environment

Cool, shaded, humid environment with consistent moisture.

Medium

Rich, moist potting mix with added peat or compost.

Hormone

Not typically required for division; optional for seeds to improve germination.

Timeline

Division: immediate establishment; seeds: germination in 2–4 weeks, establishment in 1–2 years.

Tools Needed

Garden fork, sharp knife, clean pots, moist soil mix.

Quick Tips

Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; keep seedlings consistently moist.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip individual leaves at the base; avoid cutting into healthy growth.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain appearance and health.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Remove dead/damaged leaves; clean tools before use; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.

Method

Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; replant in fresh, moist, rich soil with good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot only if overcrowded or soil quality declines; every 3–4 years is sufficient.

Checklist

Check root health; use fresh soil mix; ensure proper drainage; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture daily; water when top inch feels dry; ensure good drainage; avoid overhead watering.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly at the base, ensuring even moisture distribution; allow excess to drain; water early in the day to prevent fungal issues.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a fine nozzle to avoid disturbing delicate foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during active growth in spring; reduce watering slightly in winter dormancy.

Soil Improvement

Add peat moss, compost, or well-rotted manure to enhance moisture retention and fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or dormancy in prolonged cold.

Cold Stress

Can tolerate frost but prolonged freezing may damage foliage; prefers cool conditions to prevent dormancy.

Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from extreme cold; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop in high temperatures; growth may slow or stop.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; rinse soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply monthly during spring and early summer; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Caltha palustris can indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may be a response to environmental stressors like excessive sunlight or waterlogging.

Wilting in Caltha palustris is typically a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient watering or root damage caused by overwatering or soil compaction.

Leaf spots on Caltha palustris may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to necrotic lesions that can impair photosynthesis and weaken the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Caltha palustris is often associated with excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to fungal infections that degrade plant tissues.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats are susceptible to mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume Caltha palustris. The plant's toxic compounds can cause discomfort but are not usually fatal.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Dogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Caltha palustris due to the presence of protoanemonin. The effects are typically not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea drooling
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. If ingestion occurs, consult a veterinarian.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Caltha palustris contains protoanemonin, a toxic oil that can cause irritation and inflammation upon ingestion. The plant's toxicity is generally mild but can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea skin irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Wash hands after handling the plant to prevent skin irritation.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Caltha palustris toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Where does Caltha palustris grow best?

A: It thrives in wet, boggy conditions and partial shade.

Q: Does Caltha palustris attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Quick Reference
Family: Ranunculaceae
Care: moderate
Light: Partial to full shade
Water: Keep soil consistently moist,
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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