Marsh Marigold

Caltha palustris
 
 
 
A member of the Buttercup family which forms carpets of showy, bright yellow flowers in early spring, well before other wildflowers emerge. This compact plant is a good choice for pond landscaping where it can be planted in partially submerged pots and set inside the pond. Valuable also in wetland restoration projects. Has been used medicinally to treat sores, as a painkiller, antispasmodic and as a dye.