Marsh Marigold.Caltha palustris.Cowslips.
Found in late April and early May, in swamps or wet meadows, with its roots in the water.
The branching stalk, from 6 to 10 inches in height, is thick, stout, hollow and juicy, and grooved at the joints; its color is a shining light green.
The leaf is very broad, almost round, with a heart-shaped base, the margin finely cut in slight scallops; the texture is thin but leathery, while the surface is smooth and glossy; the color is dark green. The leaf is set at the junction of the flower-stem with the stalk.
The flower has 5 (or more) rounded petal-like calyx-parts, of a delicate texture that shows a few veins on the inside; it is shaped like a shallow cup and colored a beautiful polished yellow, tinged with green; the many stamens are yellow; the pistils form a conspicuous fringy center. Two or three flowers, on simple, or sometimes leafy foot-stems, form a terminal group.
The buds are round and quite green, turning yellow as they grow; the blossom opens very wide, and is slightly odorous,—it is in marked contrast to the coarser stem and leaf, which have a sprangly gesture. The first sunshine flower of spring.