Spring Azure on Marsh Marigold
Cowslips have been in bloom for nearly a week now in St. Lawrence County, NY. They’re easy to spot, the bright yellow flowers are hard to miss in roadside ditches and low wet spots even while driving along at a great rate of speed. To say they’re everywhere is exaggerating. But not by much. It’s hard to drive any distance without seeing any.
Caltha palustris

The color of the butterfly is off – the yellow is reflected off the flower onto the gray-white wings.
Marsh Marigolds unfortunately are ephemeral. They’ll soon pass like the spring runoff. The areas where they grow will ‘dry out’ but remain moist. Marsh marigolds will tolerate some dry conditions but remember their first name is Marsh. They usually emerge from shallow water or grow on small mounds holding the plant just above the water.
They make a great plant for wet gardens. Who doesn’t need a good shot of fairly early color in the spring? I keep meaning to bring some home for my pond garden but here I am posting instead of digging.
Marsh Marigolds are considered a medicinal plant and both roots and leaves are used. Be warned – all parts of the plant may cause irritation, blistering skin and mucus membranes. It is said that sniffing bruised stems will make you sneeze (I have never tried – see warning). The raw leaves may also induce intoxication. (thinking, thinking – naw I’ll stick to a cold beer after work)

(Image linked to 1024 x 768 size to use as desktop wallpaper)
I’m glad I waited to get a photo because I got a bonus today. Fluttering around was a spring butterfly and while it wouldn’t open it’s wings for me when it landed I did get a good enough look at it to guess it’s a Spring Azure Butterfly.
Spring Azure Ceslastrina ladon
Family: Gossamer-wing Butterflies (Lycaenidae)
Subfamily: Blues (Polyommatinae)
The upper side of the wings were a pale blue. The photo shows the gray-white underside with the faded small black dots and chevrons at the edge.
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I’m waiting with bated breath (Leeks) to see if the Blotanical Butterfly Guy is going to correct my ID










