Marsh marigolds

Apparently one of the first signs of spring in wet soils....
 cooked flower buds can be pickled and used for a caper substitute [never eat raw].... not sure I'd try!  The young leaves and roots can also be cooked according to www.ediblewildfood.com.  The whole plant contains toxic glycoside protoanemonin, which is destroyed by heat.

i think I'll just admire their beautiful colour when I walk down to the river!