Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Caltha leptosepala (White Marsh Marigold, Twinflowered Marsh Marigold, or Broadleaved Marsh Marigold) is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family. It is native to western North America from Alaska to New Mexico, where it grows in wet mountain habitats in alpine and subalpine regions. There are two general wild types of this species, one native to the interior and one that grows along the Pacific coast and coastal mountains, but these are not always treated separately. This is a perennial herb growing a mostly naked stem with leaves located basally. The leaves are up to 13 or 15 centimeters long and may have smooth, wrinkled, or toothed edges. The flower cluster bears one or more flowers. Each flower is 1 to 4 centimeters wide and lacks petals, having instead petallike sepals which are usually white or sometimes yellow. In the center are many long, flat stamens and fewer pistils.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

7 - 14 in Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Moderate

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Color

White, Yellow

Flowering season

Spring

Special uses

Water features or wet habitats

Sun

Deep Shade

Soil drainage

Standing

Soil description

Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.

Sunset Zones

1*, 2*, 3, 4*, 5*, 6*, 7, 15, 16, 17

Site type

Marshes, pond Edges, streambanks,

Plant communities

Lodgepole Forest, Red Fir Forest, Subalpine Forest, Yellow Pine Forest, Wetland-Riparian