| Marsh-marigold - Caltha palustris
 Marsh-marigold - Caltha palustris© Dr Chris Gibson/English NatureThe bright, glowing yellow flowers of this clump forming, marginal aquatic plant are among the first to appear in spring. This welcome early flush of cheer is reflected in the large number of colloquial names it has attracted, including kingcup, mollyblobs, water-bubbles, and may blobs, although it may flower as early as March or April! The flowers are cup-shaped and stand tall on long, hairless stems. The marsh marigold has large, glossy, scalloped dark green leaves, popular with flower arrangers early in the year. This is a very good marginal plant for ponds and can also be used alongside streams or in parts of the garden that are very damp in winter and spring. It is an early pollen source for a variety of insects, and provides good shelter for frogs and other pondside creatures. It is not invasive. The name Caltha derives from the Greek word calathos meaning a cup or goblet, and refers to the shape of the flowers. The specific name comes from the Latin word palus meaning a marsh. Many garden centres offer the double-flowered variety Caltha palustris 'Plena'. This is arguably less attractive, and certainly of less value to wildlife. Marsh marigolds may be very easily increased by division after they have flowered, in the same way as many garden herbaceous perennials They die back completely in the summer. AnimalsBees and wasps, Common frog | Foliage | Green | | Flower | Yellow, March to June | | Moisture |  (Wet) | | Sunlight |  (Full sun) | | Origin | Native |
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