Caltha palustris

Caltha palustris is a little-known native bog plant known as marsh marigold. A denizen of regions with minimal summer heat (Maine west into the Dakotas, and south down the spine of the Appalachian mountains), marsh marigold grows where you would expect to find it...in a marsh. This ranunculus relative is topped with bright yellow flowers starting in April (NC). Caltha palustris can reach 18" tall x 18" wide, with the round, textured green leaves held at the end of hollow stems. If you're ever lost in a swamp, marsh marigolds can be cooked, but don't eat 'em raw. Marsh marigold can spread to make a large patch, but sadly, much of what is sold as caltha palustris is actually it's evil cousin, the highly invasive Ranunculus ficaria, so be very wary.