White Marsh Marigold

(Caltha leptosepala)

White Marsh Marigold (Caltha leptosepala)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Caltha leptosepala, commonly known as White Marsh Marigold, is a deciduous perennial herb that thrives in moist alpine meadows, wetland margins, and stream banks within the Intermountain regions of the USA, Western Canada, and Alaska. It typically grows to a modest height of 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) with a similar spread. The plant features a cluster of glossy, heart-shaped leaves at the base from which the inflorescence arises. Each inflorescence can bear one or more flowers, each 1 to 4 centimeters wide. The flowers are characterized by petal-like sepals that are usually white, though sometimes they can be pale yellow. The center of the flower is filled with numerous long, flat stamens and fewer pistils, creating a delicate appearance.

White Marsh Marigold is valued for its early spring blooms and its ability to thrive in wet conditions, making it an excellent choice for water gardens, bog gardens, and areas with poor drainage. It is also used to naturalize in wildflower meadows or as part of a native plant garden. This plant prefers consistently moist to wet soil and full sun to part shade conditions. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can suffer from rust or leaf spot diseases in suboptimal conditions. It is not known to have aggressive roots or other significant problems.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-3 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Moist alpine meadows, wetland margins, and stream banks

Other Names

Common Names: Elkslip , Elkslip Marsh Marigold , Broadleaved Marsh Marigold , Mountain Marsh Marigold , Slender-Sepal Marsh Marigold , Elkslip Marshmarigold , Slendersepal Marshmarigold , White Marsh-Marigold , White Marshmarigold , Populage À Fleurs Blanches

Scientific Names: Caltha leptosepala , Caltha howellii , Caltha leptosepala var. leptosepala , Caltha macounii , Caltha leptosepala var. macounii , Caltha malvacea , Caltha biflora var. howellii , Caltha howelliae , Caltha lasopetala , Psychropila leptosepala

GBIF Accepted Name: Caltha leptosepala DC.