Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris var. palustris 'Plena' (d)

Names

• Synonyms

  Double Marsh Marigold, Kingcup, Water Dragon.

• Common names

  Caltha palustris var. plena, Caltha palustris var. fl. pl.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Marsh Marigold is known to contain toxic glycosides and alkaloids which can cause irritation and harm if ingested. Consuming any part of the plant may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and irritation of the mouth and throat. Handling the plant can also cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is important to avoid ingesting any parts of the Marsh Marigold and to exercise caution when handling it.

• To pets

  Marsh Marigold is also toxic to pets. If ingested, the plant can cause similar symptoms to those observed in humans, such as gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious symptoms like convulsions or cardiac issues. Pet owners should prevent their animals from eating or coming into contact with any part of the Marsh Marigold to avoid the risk of poisoning.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Yellow

• Height

  1 foot (30 cm)

• Spread

  1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Ornamental Value – Caltha palustris var. palustris 'Plena', also known as double-flowered marsh marigold, has showy, multi-petaled yellow flowers that add visual interest to ponds and wetland gardens.
• Wildlife Attraction – The plant provides nectar for early spring pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting the local ecosystem.
• Water Quality – Being native to marshes and wetlands, marsh marigold helps in maintaining the health of aquatic environments by stabilizing soil and potentially filtering water.
• Erosion Control – The fibrous root system of the marsh marigold can help to secure soil and prevent erosion on the banks of streams and ponds.
• Naturalizing Effect – It can spread in an appropriate wetland environment, creating a natural and wild aesthetic in landscape designs.
• Low Maintenance – Once established, marsh marigold is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance, especially in suitable wet environments.
• Early Blooming – As one of the first plants to bloom in spring, it can provide color to gardens when most other plants are still dormant.
• Edible Parts – Some parts of marsh marigold, particularly when cooked, have been traditionally consumed, although care must be taken due to its potential toxicity when raw.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Historically, Caltha palustris, commonly known as marsh marigold, has been used in traditional medicine to reduce inflammation.
• Analgesic: Some sources suggest that the marsh marigold was used for its pain-relieving properties.
• Diuretic: The plant has been attributed with diuretic effects, promoting the increased passing of urine.
• Wart treatment: Juice from the stems has been applied topically to treat warts in folk medicine.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Marsh Marigold 'Plena' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of yellow hues depending on the mordant used.
• In some cultural practices, the plant has been used to symbolize fertility and was therefore included in floral arrangements and decorations during spring festivals.
• The stems and leaves of Marsh Marigold can be used to feed livestock such as cattle and goats, but only after they have been properly cooked to neutralize toxins.
• The flowers, when treated, may serve as a natural food coloring in various dishes, although usage is very rare due to the presence of toxic compounds.
• Before modern refrigeration, the plant's leaves were sometimes used to wrap butter for its purported ability to keep the butter fresh and cool.
• Marsh Marigold can be planted in constructed wetlands to facilitate the phytoremediation process, helping to clean contaminated water.
• In garden ponds, the plant can provide shade and shelter for aquatic life, as well as aesthetic value with its bright flowers.
• Marsh Marigold's dense growth habit can be used to prevent soil erosion along stream banks and other water bodies.
• The plant has been used in traditional arts for creating botanical prints due to its distinct shape and texture of leaves.
• Marsh Marigold is sometimes incorporated into educational programs about wetland ecosystems and plant life cycles, given its distinctive and easily identifiable features.

Feng Shui

The Marsh Marigold is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Marsh Marigold is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Innocence: Marsh Marigold is often associated with childlike purity and the untainted joy found in nature.
• Bravery: Thriving in marshy, wet conditions where other plants might not survive gives Marsh Marigold a symbolic connection to courage and overcoming adversity.
• Resurrection and Renewal: As one of the first plants to bloom in spring, the Marsh Marigold symbolizes rebirth and the awakening of nature after winter's dormancy.
• Prosperity: The lush, full appearance of the double-flowered 'Plena' variety hints at abundance and richness, reflecting the plant's potential symbolism of wealth and prosperity.