Pot Marigold

Other names

Calendula

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Annual

Biocultural value

In the Knight's Tale, Chaucer depicts Jealousy in the temple of Venus as "wearing of Marigolds a yellow band." Flower petals are added to salads, used as garnishes, or added to rice as a saffron substitute. Leaves have been eaten as a potherb. Ointments made from flower petals are excellent first-aid treatments for skin cuts and abrasions. Named for the Virgin Mary, it is the floral emblem of Lady Day when the feast of the Annunciation is celebrated.

Location

Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

Johnny's Selected Seeds

Description

High resin content. Mostly yellow and a few orange blossoms with light-colored centers.

USDA Hardiness Zone

7

Special characteristics

medicinal/pharmaceutical, food, other ethnobotanical uses