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Marsh Marigold

Scientific Name: Caltha palustris

Common Names: Kingcup, Mayflower

Family: Ranunculaceae

Brief Description: Poisonous yellow flowering plant that spreads quickly and makes gardening and lawn care more dangerous.

What is Marsh Marigold?

Marsh Marigold is not traditionally considered a weed. It’s actually an annual flowering herb. It grows very bright 100% yellow flowers with 5 pedals and yellow pollen. Its leaves are fan shaped and slightly folded.

Marsh Marigold traditionally grows in clay like garden soils, and when it finds that soil it is very difficult to get rid of. Its root survives harsher conditions and spreads quickly around a yard. Though “pretty,” Marsh Marigold is also a mild poison, so handling the herb yourself can be problematic. Skin rashes are not uncommon even for those without many allergies.

How to Prevent Marsh Marigold

The best way to prevent marsh marigold is to avoid overwatering. Marsh marigold thrives in wet areas. It’s also important to aerate your soil, because the plant grows well when water doesn’t drain. Marsh Marigold tends to grow naturally around swamps because of its need for water. Keeping your soil loose and dry will prevent the plant from living in your yard.

If Marsh Marigold has already taken over your yard, removal needs to be carefully completed and the same prevention methods above need to be initiated, because in the right environments every part of the root survives and regrows. Call Green Lawn Fertilizing today to learn more about our treatment options and to get your Marsh Marigold problem under control.

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