Marsh-marigold (Caltha), a genus of plants of the natural order Ranunculaceæ, having about five petal-like sepals, but no petals; the fruit consists of several spreading, compressed, many-seeded follicles. C. palustris is a very common
British plant, with kidney-shaped, shining leaves, and large yellow flowers, a principal ornament of wet meadows and the sides of streams in spring. It partakes of the acridity common in the order; but the flower-buds, preserved in vinegar and salt, are said to be a good substitute for capers. It is often called Cowslip in the United States.