Marigold (Calendula officinalis) is used as an herbal remedy for skin conditions or to treat wounds. But as an ornamental plant today, it is cultivated in numerous gardens. There, this plant, with its yellow to orange flowers, is an attraction for beneficial insects.
Today, it is not possible to say with certainty where the marigold comes from. However, numerous studies and botanical structures suggest a Mediterranean region origin. Marigold is a member of the Asteraceae family. There are approximately 56 species of marigolds[1] in the world.
Marigold is an annual herb that can grow up to 32 inches (80 cm) tall. However, it’s typically much smaller at 15 and 20 inches (40 to 50 cm). The elongated, lanceolate, dark green leaves of the marigold are striking.
They rest on the hairy, almost square, felted stems that alternately bear the leaves. Especially characteristic is the yellow to Orange Daisy flowers, which can reach a height of up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Marigold’s flowers usually bloom from June and October.
