White Marsh Marigold
Caltha leptosepala
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
iNaturalist: © harley_s (iNaturalist #339188176)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus:
- Caltha
- Species:
- Caltha leptosepala
- USDA Symbol:
- CALE4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 40 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
⚠️Bog Fritillary (Clossiana eunomia)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, flies, small mammals
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moisture-retentive loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in wet meadows and along streams.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Requires cold-moist stratification and consistently moist conditions. Seeds benefit from light for germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds need a warm-cold-warm cycle in order to germinate.
Establishment: This plant may be found in the Western US and Canada in sub-alpine and wetland or meadow areas. Also found from Alaska south through the Rocky Mountains to Colorado.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months * bog plant; stand pot in 3 cm water; raise temperature very slowly after germination