Marsh Marigold

Description

Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), also commonly known as king cup, is a native UK marginal aquatic perennial named for its large, glossy, bright yellow flowers that resemble the cup of kings. It is naturally found in marshes, wet meadows, ditches and wet woodlands across the UK.

This buttercup-like, herbaceous perennial thrives in very wet, mucky soils and can grow up to 45cm tall under suitable conditions. Flowering from March through to late summer, marsh marigold produces nectar- and pollen-rich blooms that are highly attractive to pollinating insects such as bumblebees and butterflies.
The bright yellow flowers of Caltha palustris can also be used to produce a natural yellow dye.

How to Identify

Marsh marigold can be identified by its bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers and rounded, glossy green leaves. The flowers appear in early spring, often before surrounding vegetation has fully emerged, and are borne on sturdy upright stems. The plant forms dense clumps in wet ground, making it easy to recognise along pond margins and in marshy habitats.

How to Plant

Marsh marigold should be planted in consistently wet, mucky soil or at the margins of ponds and streams where the ground remains waterlogged. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and should be positioned so the roots stay moist at all times. Once established, it requires very little maintenance and will return each year with reliable spring flowering.