Belongs to: buttercup family
Marsh marigold Caltha palustris
Also known as: kingcup
In decline as a result of wetland drainage
Best time to see: mid Mar to mid Jun
Key facts
A large buttercup of damp meadows and wet woodland, visited by many insects for nectar and pollen
But the double-flowered version available at many garden centres produces no nectar, so has no value for wildlife
Native to Britain and to other temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, including North America
Extras
Short, compact plant, with yellow flowers on short stalks at the top, 10–50 mm across
Large, dark-green, shiny leaves are kidney-shaped, toothed
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© Tony Gunton