Great marsh marigold (Caltha polypetala) is a native of northern Europe and the Pacific Northwest from Oregon, up the coast, and to Alaska. Its glossy gold flowers are held well above the foliage and look like giant buttercups, to which they are related. The flowers have showy clusters of up to 40 stamens in the center. The leaves are round, with long petioles. This species differs from our local species, Caltha palustris, in its larger size. Some authorities believe they are variants of the same species. The native habitat is marshes or ephemeral wet spots in woods. This perennial prefers moist soil and will grow in sun or shade.