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Wisconsin's Marsh Marigold
One of the first flowers of spring in Wisconsin is the Marsh Marigold. Usually found in low-lying or swampy areas, these plants are at their best when others are just getting started. Also known as "Cowslip" and with the botanical name of "Caltha Palustris", Marsh marigolds emerge from shallow water or on ground holding the plant just above the water. During their dormant period the soil must not be allowed to dry at all. Marsh Marigolds are a welcome sight in early spring but are not long lasting.
From Marsh Marigold
Requirements: Soil Type - Mucky
Soil pH - Neutral
Water - Wet
Light - Full sun to Partial shade
Characteristics: Height - Average 1 ft., up to 2 ft
Time of Bloom - April - June
Flower colors - Yellow
Propagation - Division
Transplants - Easily
The Marsh Marigold or "Cowslip" ususally blooms from April to June. The flowers resemble buttercups.
It is a herbaceous perennial. The stems are about a foot in height, hollow, nearly round, erect, but at times creeping and rooting at intervals in the lower portions, which are generally of a purple colour.
Most of the leaves spring directly from the ground, on long stalks, kidney-shaped, large and glossy. The stem- leaves have very short stalks and are more pointed at the top.
It flowers from mid-March till the middle of June, the flowers being at the end of the stems, which divide into two grooved flowerstalks, each bearing one blossom, from 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The Marsh Marigold is closely allied to various species of buttercups, but the flower has no real corolla, the brilliant yellow cup being composed of the five petaloid sepals.
Ironically, though the Marsh Marigold is listed as a poisonous plant, it also has a long history of medicinal usages.
Native Americans used various preparations of the roots to treat colds and sores, as an aid in childbirth and to induce vomiting, and as a protection against love charms; infusions of leaves were taken for constipation.
