Marsh Marigold | Hainault Forest

Marsh Marigold

Caltha palustris

Marsh Marigold is a member of the Buttercup family with a preference for wet locations and is often found around ponds. It is a low, thick-stemmed perennial with shiny dark-green kidney-shaped leaves. The flowers do not have petals, instead there are five yellow sepals. Appearing from March to July, the plant is sometimes called 'King Cup' because the large flowers were thought to resemble goblets. The plants provide an early source of nectar for insects and the large rounded leaves offer a place for frogs to shelter.