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Caltha natans - Pall.

Common Name Floating marsh marigold
Family Ranunculaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards The whole plant, but especially the older portions, contains the toxic glycoside protoanemanin - this is destroyed by heat[172]. The sap can irritate sensitive skin[172].
Habitats Floating or on moist mud, ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers and streams at elevations of 25 - 1500 metres[270]. Wet meadows, marshes and in water in China[266].
Range North-western N. America - Alaska to Canada. E. Asia - N. China, Mongolia, Siberia.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Wet Soil Water Plants Semi-shade Full sun
Caltha natans Floating marsh marigold


USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. Vol. 2: 86.
Caltha natans Floating marsh marigold

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Caltha natans is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. 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

Habitats

 Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers  Leaves  Root
Edible Uses:

Root - cooked. A survival food, used when all else fails[172]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Flower buds - cooked. Added to stews etc or pickled as capers[172]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young leaves - cooked. Best before the plant flowers[172]. 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  Warts

Used in the treatment of sore throats[174].

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 boggy soils and shallow pond margins[1], it requires a deep rich slightly acidic soil[200]. It grows well in heavy clay soils. It has slender floating or creeping stems that root at the nodes to form new plants[235]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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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 Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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 it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Caltha leptosepalaWestern Marsh Marigold, Howell's marsh marigold, Sulphur marsh marigoldPerennial0.3 3-7  LMHSNWeWa21 
Caltha leptosepala howellii Perennial0.3 3-7  LMHSNWeWa20 
Caltha palustrisMarsh Marigold, Yellow marsh marigoldPerennial0.3 3-7  LMHSNWeWa223
Caltha sinogracilis Perennial0.1 -  LMHSNWeWa10 

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.

 

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Author

Pall.

Botanical References

200235266

Links / References

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