White marsh marigold (Caltha leptosepala, Syst. nat. 1:310. 1817)

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: DC.

Bibliography: Syst. nat. 1:310. 1817

Year: 1817

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Caltha

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Alaska to W. U.S.A.

Description

The White Marsh Marigold, known scientifically as Caltha leptosepala, is a captivating perennial herb that graces the wetlands and marshy landscapes from Alaska to the western regions of the United States. Belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, this elegant plant is distinguished by its delicate yet striking white flowers, which add a touch of brightness to their often lush and green habitats.

Caltha leptosepala thrives in moist environments, making its home in marshes, wet meadows, and along the edges of streams and ponds. The plant is adept at surviving in these saturated soils, where it can often be found creating picturesque scenes alongside other water-loving flora.

The flower of the White Marsh Marigold is notable for its sheer simplicity and beauty. Each bloom typically comprises five to ten white sepals that resemble petals, which surround a cluster of golden-yellow stamens and pistils at the center. This contrast in color not only enhances the visual appeal of the plant but also plays a pivotal role in attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Interestingly, the White Marsh Marigold has a rich history and was initially cataloged in ‘Systema naturae’ in the year 1817 by the botanist DC. This early documentation underscores the plant’s long-standing recognition and scientific interest.

In addition to its aesthetic value, Caltha leptosepala holds ecological significance. Its presence in wetland ecosystems can contribute to the stabilization of soil and the maintenance of habitat for various wildlife species. The plant can form dense clusters, which help in preventing soil erosion along water bodies, thereby playing a crucial role in environmental conservation.

Throughout its native range, from Alaska’s pristine wilderness to the diverse terrains of the western United States, the White Marsh Marigold continues to be a symbol of resilience and natural beauty in wetland habitats. For botanists, horticulturists, and nature enthusiasts alike, Caltha leptosepala offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexity and splendor of marshland flora.

Common Names

Eng: elkslip marshmarigold, slendersepal marshmarigold, white marsh marigold, white marsh-marigold, white marshmarigold, elkslip, elkslip marsh marigold, mountain marsh marigold, slender-sepal marsh marigold
Swe: iskabbleka
Fra: populage à fleurs blanches, populage à sépales minces, populage à sépales étroits
En: White marsh marigold, Broad-leaved marsh marigold, Elk’s Lip, Twinflowered Marsh Marigold, White Marsh-Marigold, ELKSLIP MARSHMARIGOLD, Slendersepal marshmarigold, White marshmarigold, Elkslip, Elkslip marsh marigold, Mountain marsh marigold, Slender-sepal marsh marigold
Ar: خرغوس رقيق السبلات
Fi: Amerikanrentukka
Fr: Populage à fleurs blanches, Populage à sépales minces, Populage à sépales étroits
De: Westamerikanische Dotterblume
Sv: Iskabbleka

Synonyms

• Caltha chelidonii (Greene)
• Caltha malvacea (Greene)
• Caltha biflora var. rotundifolia ((Huth) C.L.Hitchc.)
• Caltha uniflora (Rydb.)
• Caltha leptosepala var. macounii ((Greene) K.C.Davis)
• Caltha rotundifolia ((Huth) Greene)
• Caltha auriculata ((Raf.) Merr.)
• Caltha macounii (Greene)
• Caltha leptosepala var. sulfurea (C.L.Hitchc.)
• Caltha leptosepala var. rotundifolia (Huth)
• Psychrophila leptosepala ((DC.) W.A.Weber)
• Caltha lasopetala (Steud.)
• Caltha leptostachya (G.Don)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 18, 2021 by thomas boscardin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2015 by EOL − elapham (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 12, 2015 by EOL − elapham (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 12, 2015 by EOL − tdmarie (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 16, 2015 by EOL − Gary Griffith (cc-by-nc-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2020 by Honey Heart Honey Heart (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Joseph Littlehorn (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2021 by Tucker Goodrich (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 26, 1999 by EOL − Albert P. Bekker (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2000 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 1999 by EOL − Albert P. Bekker (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Wagner, W.L. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 12, 2015 by EOL − elapham (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5371684)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:42853-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Caltha leptosepala DC.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Crown

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.2

Ph minimum: 6.6