Marsh Marigold
Caltha palustris
The Marsh Marigold is a perennial herbaceous plant that prefers to grow along streams, ditches, and in marshy meadows. It reaches heights of 15 to 60 centimeters and develops strong, hollow stems. Its heart- to kidney-shaped leaves are glossy dark green and often notched. The bright yellow flowers appear in early spring and serve as an important early food source for insects.
Details
Oxygen production
Minor via leaves in emergent state; contributes to oxygen enrichment of the soil.
Habitat function
Provides cover for amphibians and oviposition sites for various insect species.
Nutrient uptake
Absorbs nitrogen and phosphorus from the sediment and the water.
Food source for
Bees, hoverflies, beetles (nectar/pollen) and caterpillars of some moth species.
Human use
Ornamental plant for garden ponds; historically used as a medicinal plant and dye (toxic when fresh).
Ecology
Ecological role
Important spring forage plant for pollinators; seeds are dispersed by water (hydrochory).
Natural predators
Snails, leaf beetle larvae, and specialized fungi such as the marsh marigold rust fungus.
Competitor species
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) during increasing siltation.
Ecosystem service
Erosion control on riverbanks, nectar source for insects, filtration of surface runoff.
Threats
Drainage of wetlands, stream channelization, eutrophication, and intensive grazing.
Scientific profile
Profile
Reproduction
Generative via seeds dispersed as floating fruits (hydrochory) or by rain wash. Vegetative dispersal occurs via short rhizomes or occasionally via rooting creeping shoots.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Drainage of wet meadows, intensive agricultural use (over-fertilization), straightening of streams, and loss of floodplains.