marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) at Lake Meyer Park IA 653A6472
Marsh marigolds are aptly named as I only find them growing in wet marshy areas. Old-timers called them cowslips as cows would surely slip and slide while trying to graze in wet pastures where marsh marigolds would grow. I doubt that cows ever ate cowslips though since they are in the buttercup family and contain some nasty toxins. Some people claim that marsh marigold flowers, buds and leaves are edible but I have never tried them and don't ever plan too.
marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) at Lake Meyer Park IA 653A6472
Marsh marigolds are aptly named as I only find them growing in wet marshy areas. Old-timers called them cowslips as cows would surely slip and slide while trying to graze in wet pastures where marsh marigolds would grow. I doubt that cows ever ate cowslips though since they are in the buttercup family and contain some nasty toxins. Some people claim that marsh marigold flowers, buds and leaves are edible but I have never tried them and don't ever plan too.