Western marsh marigold, American Marsh Marigold, White-flowered marsh-marigold
Caltha leptosepala
Family: Ranunculaceae
What it is like
A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It has a short erect rootstock. It grows 30 cm high and spreads 30 cm wide. The leaves are fleshy and heart-shaped. The flowers occur singly and are silvery white. They are on leafless stalks which stick up above the leaves. The fruiting heads are shaped like a top and contain several pods which contain many seeds.
There are about 10 Caltha species. They grow in temperate bogs.
Where it is found
It grows in wet alpine and subalpine meadows in the Rocky Mountains. It suits cold climates. It is best in a moist, peaty, well-drained soil. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Alaska, Australia, Canada, North America (country/location of origin), USA
How it is used for food
Caution: Only the very young leaves are boiled in 2 changes of water then eaten. They are used as a potherb. Flower buds are pickled as capers. The roots are boiled and eaten.
Edible parts
Flowers, leaves, root, caution
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. They can also be grown by division.