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 mound-shaped plants (8-24 in) have glossy green, heart-shaped leaves. The seed pods split open when ripe.
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.
Easy - numerous and usually easy to spot
in the habitats listed at the appropriate time of
year.
Wetlands are low-lying areas that are covered by
water all or most of the time and support a variety of
aquatic plants. This habitat includes rivers, streams,
lakes, ponds, bogs, and marshes.