Caltha palustris is a species of wet habitats, often in bogs or in shallow water and sometimes in canopy openings in swamps. The inflorescence is easily recognizeable as a member of the Arum Family (Araceae) that includes Symplocarpus foetidus (skunk cabbage), Arisaema triphyllum (jack-in-the-pulpit) and Acorus americanus (sweet flag). The broad white structure is called the spathe and the nearly cylindrical collection of flowers is called the spadix. Flowers of the spadix produce bright red berries later in the year and sometimes remain on the plant into winter.

Calla palustris is a northern species ranging from Alaska across canada and extending south to Minnesota and Wisconsin (and barely enters Illinois in the northeastern-most county), east to Pennsylvania and New Jersey . In Wisconsin it is found mostly north of the tension zone, with the majority of known locations in the northern half of the state.