Molly Blob

Dialect name for the marsh marigold (caltha palustris). Other names include: kingcup, mayflower, may blobs, mollyblobs, pollyblobs, horse blob, water blobs, water bubbles, gollins, balfae (in Caithness) and the publican. [E.J.G]

Etymology

Uncertain. The common “marigold” refers to its use in medieval churches at Easter as a tribute to the Virgin Mary, as in Mary gold. The specific name palustris, Latin for “of the marsh”, indicates its common habitat. [E.J.G.]

Example locations

• Molly Blobs at Jacksons Coppice
  Eccleshall, Staffordshire

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Entry contributors:

Elizabeth Jardine Godwin