Floating marsh marigold
Caltha natans
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IOverview
Overview
Floating marsh marigold (Caltha natans) is a perennial herb that thrives in wet environments such as marshes and shallow water bodies. Native to regions including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, and parts of Siberia, this plant can also be found in various Canadian provinces like Ontario and Saskatchewan. Known for its edible flowers, leaves, and roots, it provides a culinary treat. This marigold prefers full or partial sun and grows up to 0.3 meters tall. Its distinctive features include floating leaves that give the plant its name, making it an interesting addition to wetland gardens or aquariums.
Quick answers
What is Floating marsh marigold?
Floating marsh marigold (Caltha natans) is a perennial herb that thrives in wet environments such as marshes and shallow water bodies. Native to regions including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, and parts of Siberia, this plant can also be found in various Canadian provinces like Ontario and Saskatchewan.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Floating marsh marigold thrives in full to partial sun and requires wet conditions, making it ideal for water gardens or boggy areas. It prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils and can grow up to 0.3 meters tall. This perennial is hardy in temperate regions and can be propagated through division or seeds. Edible parts include the flowers, leaves, and roots, making it a versatile addition for both ornamental and culinary purposes.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Wet, Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Floating marsh marigold for the first time
8steps
Start with floating marsh marigold to add a splash of color and texture to your water garden or pond.
- 1
What you'll need
A container, seeds or young plants, and a suitable location for planting.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a container with good drainage holes. Fill it with moist, rich soil that can retain moisture but not be waterlogged.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the container or transplant young plants from another source into your prepared container.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to help the plant establish itself.
- 6
Ongoing care
Place the container in a location with full sun to partial shade. Ensure it receives plenty of water, especially during dry spells.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and flowers regularly to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting regular pruning, using unsuitable soil, and not providing enough shade.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRoot
Edible uses: The floating marsh marigold's flowers, leaves, and roots are edible. Typically, the flowers can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The leaves and roots are often boiled before consumption to improve their texture and flavor. These parts of the plant add a unique taste to various dishes due to their mild, slightly bitter profile.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
27 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
27 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 27 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Russia
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaMongoliaSouth Korea
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Amur, British Columbia, Buryatiya, Chita, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, Manitoba, Minnesota, Northwest Territorie, Ontario, Primorye, Saskatchewan, Tuva, Wisconsin, Yakutskiya, Yukon
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · feadaeb7-a287-4d9f-99ac-e67917ad6e25
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