ID Guide: Marsh marigold
Common names: Marsh marigolds, kingcups
Latin: Caltha palustris
Appearance: Large golden flowers that look like the cup of kings, hence their nickname ‘Kingcup’.
Where: Damp spots, like ponds, meadows, marshes, ditches, towns and gardens and wet woodlands.
How to forage: It is very easy to pick – simply cut a few stems from each plant.
When: May to August
How to use: Marsh marigolds flowers and leaves should be submerged in boiling water until tender. Do not eat raw. Instead, add them to soups, stews, pasta, or enjoy as they are with a little butter, salt and vinegar.
Commonly mistaken with…
Fig buttercup which holds a toxin that is poisonous to humans. Look for the number of uniform petals which should be 5-7 for the marsh marigold and 7-11 for the fig buttercup.