Marsh marigold

Caltha palustris

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Leaves

Preparation

Not applicable; this is an ornamental plant.

Hazard type

NC State rates poison severity Low and says the leaves are toxic if eaten in large amounts, with burning of the throat, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dizziness, fainting and convulsions. Toxic principle given as protoanemonin.

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Neither ASPCA nor NC State lists a pet-safety verdict for this plant. Not listed means no verdict was found, not that it's safe. Keep pets from eating it and call a vet or the ASPCA Poison Control line if a pet seems unwell.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Caltha palustris, not on the common name.. Marsh marigold is not a marigold. NC State also says it can be confused with Ficaria verna (weedy) and Geum radiatum.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 3a to 7b (NC State Extension)
Light: Full sun for best flowering; NC State suggests some afternoon shade in summer, since full summer sun may force dormancy. Tolerates partial shade.
Water needs: high
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide (NC State Extension).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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