Marsh Marigold

NPS/Gordon Dietzman Rivers, Lakes, and Wetlands Introduction In early spring, the marsh marigolds begin blooming along the edges of water seeps, wetlands, wet meadows, and along rivulets in wooded swamps. Their beautiful gold flowers contrast strongly with the deep green of their large, roundish to kidney-shaped leaves. They are among our earliest flowers to bloom and offer spots of color in the bleak scenes of a still leafless forest. Insects find these early flowers desirable as sources of pollen and nectar when most other flowers are yet to bloom. Blooms: April and May Fascinating Facts While not generally considered poisonous, some people are sensitive to this plant and may break out in a rash after handling it. Its scientific name, palustris, is Latin for “of a marsh” and appropriately this plant is often found in wet forests, near springs, and marshes. Want to Help Us Better Understand the Park? See our iNaturalist project, "The Life of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area" and contribute to it by downloading the iNaturalist app and uploading your sightings of this species, and others, to the project. You can also upload your sightings from your computer.