Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)

Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) is a compact, mounding perennial with rounded basal leaves on long stalks. Bright yellow, buttercup-like flowers bloom on branching stems from spring into summer.

Grow in wet, boggy soil in full sun to part sun. Part sun is preferred in the South. This moisture-loving plant suits water gardens and wet woodland edges.

Growing details

• Plant type: Marginal perennial
• Mature height: 1–1.5 feet
• Mature spread: 1–1.5 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 1 foot apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–7
• Light: Full sun to part sun; part sun preferred in the South
• Soil: Wet and boggy
• Flowers: Bright yellow, buttercup-like blooms
• Bloom season: Spring into summer
• Foliage: Rounded basal leaves on long stalks
• Habit: Mounding

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance perennial needs a consistently wet planting site. It may go dormant when grown in full sun during hot summers.

Use as an accent or in grouped plantings, wet borders, moist woodland gardens, naturalized areas, wildlife gardens, water gardens, or containers managed to maintain wet soil. Pair with turtlehead, blue flag iris, or blue vervain where growing conditions suit each plant.

Image credit: Photo by Judy Gallagher, Marsh Marigold. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.