Species library · Plants & herbs

Marsh Marigold: poisonous

Caltha palustris

☠ Poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Marsh Marigold is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. When in doubt, have a find identified by an expert.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from March to May in the northern hemisphere. Found in Wetland.

☠ Poisonous
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)

Photo: (c) Rose Zappa, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Rose Zappa · iNaturalist

When Marsh Marigold appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Marsh Marigold is usually found in Wetland.

Look up Marsh Marigold in the app

In the Forage app, Marsh Marigold has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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Marsh Marigold: common questions

Is Marsh Marigold poisonous?

Yes. Marsh Marigold is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Marsh Marigold appear?

Marsh Marigold usually appears from March to May in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Marsh Marigold grow?

Marsh Marigold is usually found in Wetland.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits