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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Caltha leptosepala is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, beetles, flies.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

C. rotundifolia.

Plant Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root
Edible Uses:

Root - it must be well cooked[172]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Flower buds - raw, cooked or pickled and used as a caper substitute[85, 105, 172, 183]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young leaves, before the flowers emerge are eaten raw or cooked[85, 172, 183]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Older leaves, before the plant flowers, can be eaten if well cooked[85]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antispasmodic Expectorant Poultice Warts

The whole plant is antispasmodic and expectorant. It has been used to remove warts[172]. A poultice of the chewed roots has been applied to inflamed wounds[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

A plant of the waterside, it prefers growing in a sunny position in wet soils or shallow water[1, 111, 233], though it will tolerate drier conditions if there is shade from the summer sun[233]. It requires a deep rich slightly acidic soil[111, 200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Plants are hardy to about -20c[187]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in late summer[200]. Stand the pots in 2 - 3cm of water to keep the soil wet. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[138]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a tray of water in a cold frame until they are at least 15cm tall. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in early spring or autumn[200]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Yukon (south), Alberta (west), British Columbia (east)), United States (Alaska (south), Colorado (west), Idaho, Montana (west), Oregon (southeast), Wyoming, Nevada (northeast), Utah)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Caltha leptosepala howellii		Perennial	0.3	3-7	LMH	SN	WeWa	2	0
Caltha natans	Floating marsh marigold	Perennial	0.3	0-0	LMH	SN	WeWa	1	1
Caltha palustris	Marsh Marigold, Yellow marsh marigold	Perennial	0.3	3-7	LMH	SN	WeWa	2	2	3
Caltha sinogracilis		Perennial	0.1	-	LMH	SN	WeWa	1	0

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Caltha leptosepala - DC.