Caltha palustris - Marsh-marigold - (Ranunculaceae)

This is one of our wonderful early spring wildflowers that lights up the edges of woodland streams and any damp ditches beside the road or in the countryside well before the spring fireworks display of other wildflowers ignites.

Found mainly in wet woodland, stream margins and shady banks of lakes and ponds, the marsh-marigold, also known as the kingcup, is a most imposing wild flower. It is a member of the buttercup (Ranunculus) family.

Marsh Marigold lights up a stream edge in early spring

The marsh-marigold blooms in springtime and is usually at its best in April and May, but in dark marshy woodland you might see these bold yellow flowers as late as July.

Closeup picture of Caltha palustris

This flower defines yellow!