Plant guide

Marsh marigold.

Caltha palustris

Pronounced KAL-thuh puh-LUS-tris

Also known as Cow's Lips, Giant Kingcup, Kaljužnica, Marsh marigold, Marsh-marigold, Molly-blobs

The marsh marigold is a cheerful perennial that loves wet feet. It brings bright yellow blooms to boggy spots or pond edges in early spring. You will love how it brightens up damp corners of your garden.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 1 to 3 days
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet
Growth rate: Medium

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist or even submerged in shallow water. Watch for wilting if the soil dries out completely. Remove spent flowers to keep the plant looking tidy.

Watering: Keep the soil constantly saturated or sitting in shallow water.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back dead foliage and spent blooms after the flowering period ends.
Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root bound or outgrows its container.
Soil: Heavy, wet, or boggy soil
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral

Safety

Pets: This plant is considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

How to identify it

Bright yellow buttercup like flowers
Heart shaped glossy green leaves
Sturdy hollow stems
Grows in clumps

Science

Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Caltha
Order: Ranunculales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your marsh marigold looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.