Pot marigold

Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis), also known as Common Marigold, Garden Marigold, English Marigold, or Scottish Marigold, is a plant in the Calendula genus, which is part of the Asteraceae family. It is native to Southern Europe, but has been naturalized in other parts of the world.

Description

Pot Marigold is an annual or perennial herb that grows up to 80 cm tall. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, 5–17 cm long, hairy on both sides, and with margins entire or occasionally waved or weakly toothed. The inflorescences are yellow, comprising a thick capitulum or flowerhead 4–7 cm diameter surrounded by two rows of hairy bracts.

Cultivation and uses

Pot Marigold is widely cultivated and can be grown easily in sunny locations in most kinds of soils. Although it is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens, Pot Marigold has many uses in traditional medicine and as a source of food coloring.

In traditional medicine, Pot Marigold has been used for treating various skin diseases, wounds, burns, and rashes. It is also used in the treatment of digestive and gynecological problems. The flowers are edible and are used in cooking as a garnish and as a substitute for saffron in coloring cheeses, butters, and sauces.

Chemical constituents

Pot Marigold contains a variety of chemical compounds, including flavonoids, saponins, and carotenoids, which are believed to contribute to its medicinal properties. The plant also contains essential oils that have been found to have antimicrobial activity.

Safety and precautions

While generally considered safe, some people may have allergic reactions to Pot Marigold, especially those who are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family. It is recommended to do a patch test before using Pot Marigold topically.

See also

• List of culinary herbs and spices
• List of companion plants
• List of beneficial weeds