Marsh Marigolds' shiny yellow, saucer-shaped flowers brighten up shallow wetlands across Canada and much of the United States in spring and early summer. The name is somewhat confusing as the flowers resemble buttercups, not marigolds. The flowers are pollinated by a variety of species including flies, bees, and ants.
The mound-shaped plants (8-24 in) have glossy green, heart-shaped leaves. The seed pods split open when ripe. Spongy tissue keeps the seeds afloat until they reach a location where they can grow.
Handling Marsh Marigolds can cause skin irritation. They should never be eaten raw.
Did you know? The petal tips reflect ultraviolet light while the bases absorb it, directing insects such as bees, whose eyes detect ultraviolet light, to the nectar at the centre of the flower.
