Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District

Marsh Marigold (Yellow Marsh Marigold)
Caltha palustris   [C-value 5]
Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae)
Blooms April - May

The native Marsh Marigold is uncommon in our area. It prefers full or partial sun and wet mucky soil. Habitats include wetlands, including vernal pools in low woodlands, swamps, soggy meadows, marshes, fens and seeps. This perennial is ½–2' tall and branching regularly with hollow stems. Basal leaves are produced early in the year, with alternate leaves along the stems. The fan-shaped leaves are up to 4" long and 4" across on petioles up to 6" long. The upper stems produce small clusters of bright yellow flowers on short petioles. Each flower is ¾–1½" across with 5-9 bright yellow petal-like sepals.

Marsh Marigold at Lyon Forest Preserve April 26, 2015

Marsh Marigold at Maramech Forest Preserve May 8, 2013

Marsh Marigold (post-blooming) at Maramech Forest Preserve May 9, 2015

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