Caltha sp.
Marsh marigold, Marsh Marigold
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Family: Ranunculaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Caltha sp. (Marsh marigold) is a non-native California perennial in the Ranunculaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Ranunculus: Caltha has thick, succulent stems and kidney-shaped leaves; Ranunculus has thinner stems and most species have divided or deeply lobed leaves.; vs Anemone: Caltha leaves are simple and undivided from the base; Anemone has compound leaves divided into separate leaflets.; vs Oxalis: Caltha has yellow/white flowers with showy sepals; Oxalis has clover-like trifoliate leaves and 5-petaled flowers.; vs Aquilegia: Caltha has simple undivided leaves; Aquilegia has compound leaves divided into rounded leaflets.; vs Coptis: Caltha has simple heart-shaped leaves; Coptis has compound leaves divided into 3+ toothed leaflets.
Frequently asked questions
Is Caltha sp. native to California?
No. Caltha sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Caltha sp. belong to?
Caltha sp. is in the Ranunculaceae family, genus Caltha.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.