Marsh Marigold - Catha palustris " (Buttercup family - Ranunculaceae) "
Marsh Marigold - Catha palustris " (Buttercup family - Ranunculaceae) " The name "Marigold" is said to be due to the use of the flower in Medieval church festivals dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Palustris is Latin for "of the swamps." The brilliant yellow flowers look like large buttercups.
They often form beds that spread over wide areas. Sometimes country people used them as greens when the plants came into flower; however, the leaves are poisonous if eaten uncooked. They are rich in iron and were used to treat anemia. There are 5 to 9 golden yellow sepals, which resemble petals, but there are no actual petals on the plant.
