Wildflower Meets Record Label

The Marsh Marigold, Caltha palustris, a wildflower which blooms from March through June, is native to temperate regions of North America. It seems to appear and disappear in the blink of an eye. The generic name derives from the Greek calathos (a cup or goblet for the shape of its flowers); its specific name is from the Latin palus (a marsh).

This plant was found along a stream bed at the Marion Yarrow Nature Preserve. As a member of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family (along with Pasque Flowers, anemones), the “cowslip” is considered poisonous. Nonetheless, it also has medicinal uses including as a cure for warts. Some sources say the leaves can be cooked and eaten like spinach, and that a well-diluted tincture made from the whole plant while in flower, may be useful against anemia.

In Hamburg, Germany, the Marsh Marigold is a record label. Click here to hear what’s playing.