MARSHMARIGOLD 



Caltha falustris Linnaeus 



When the marshmarigold is in full bloom and the frogs are 

 singing in chorus, we realize that spring has really come. The wet 

 meadows and the margins of the brimming streams are then adorned 

 with bunches of this beautiful Calthaj whose flowers seem of a more 

 brilliant gold because of the contrast with their surroundings. The 

 cluster of bright green leaves, from which the flower stems rise, 

 adds to the charm of the plants. The leaves in spring are as good as 

 spinach, when boiled as greens. The nectar is a feast for small bees 

 and flies which visit the flowers in great numbers. The marshmari- 

 gold belongs to the Crowfoot Family. It is often erroneously called 

 cowslip. 



Marshmarigold has a wide range, and may be found from South 

 Carolina to Newfoundland and west to Nebraska and Saskatchewan. 

 It occurs also in the Arctic regions, as well as in Europe and Asia. 



The specimen sketched grew near Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. 



PLATE 2_o8 



