How much sun does White Marsh Marigold need?

White Marsh Marigold grows best in part sun conditions.

When does White Marsh Marigold bloom?

White Marsh Marigold blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is White Marsh Marigold native?

White Marsh Marigold (Caltha leptosepala) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is White Marsh Marigold toxic to livestock?

White Marsh Marigold is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

What pollinators does White Marsh Marigold attract?

White Marsh Marigold draws bees, flies, and beetles.

Is White Marsh Marigold HOA-friendly?

White Marsh Marigold takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

White Marsh Marigold

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Caltha leptosepala

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

White Marsh Marigold (Caltha leptosepala) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

White Marsh Marigold is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

4"–12" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central Basin and Range North American Deserts

White marsh marigold is a low-growing alpine perennial that produces bright white, buttercup-like flowers in late spring and early summer. This moisture-loving plant naturally grows in mountain wetlands and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions to thrive.

In an HOA neighborhood

White Marsh Marigold takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Requires boggy conditions unsuitable for typical landscaping
Goes completely dormant leaving bare spots
Dies back early in season creating gaps

Wildlife value

The flowers attract various pollinators including bees, flies, and beetles during its blooming period from May through July.

Common questions

How much sun does White Marsh Marigold need?: White Marsh Marigold grows best in part sun conditions.
When does White Marsh Marigold bloom?: White Marsh Marigold blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is White Marsh Marigold native?: White Marsh Marigold (Caltha leptosepala) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is White Marsh Marigold toxic to livestock?: White Marsh Marigold is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
What pollinators does White Marsh Marigold attract?: White Marsh Marigold draws bees, flies, and beetles.
Is White Marsh Marigold HOA-friendly?: White Marsh Marigold takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow White Marsh Marigold? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz