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Pot Marigold

Calendula officinalis

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Asterales
Family:
Asteraceae (Daisy)
Also in this family:
Alpine Blue Sow-thistle, Alpine Cotula, Alpine Fleabane, Alpine Saw-wort, Annual Ragweed, Annual Sunflower, Argentine Fleabane, Autumn Hawkbit, Autumn Oxeye, Beaked Hawksbeard, Beggarticks, Bilbao Fleabane, Black Knapweed, Black-eyed Susan, Blanketflower, Blue Fleabane, Blue Globe-thistle, Bristly Oxtongue, Broad-leaved Cudweed, Broad-leaved Ragwort, Brown Knapweed, Butterbur, Buttonweed, Cabbage Thistle, Canadian Fleabane, Canadian Goldenrod, Carline Thistle, Chalk Knapweed, Chamois Ragwort, Changing Michaelmas Daisy, Chicory, Chinese Mugwort, Chinese Ragwort, Coltsfoot, Common Blue Sow-thistle, Common Cat's-ear, Common Cudweed, Common Daisy, Common Dandelion, Common Fleabane, Common Goldenrod, Common Groundsel, Common Michaelmas Daisy, Common Mugwort, Common Ragwort, Common Wormwood, Coneflower, Confused Michaelmas Daisy, Corn Chamomile, Corn Marigold, Cornflower, Cotton Thistle, Cottonweed, Creeping Thistle, Daisy Bush, Dwarf Cudweed, Dwarf Thistle, Early Goldenrod, Eastern Groundsel, Eastern Leopardsbane, Elecampane, English Hawkweed, Fen Ragwort, Feverfew, Field Fleawort, Field Wormwood, Fox and Cubs, French Tarragon, Gallant Soldier, Garden Lettuce, Giant Butterbur, Glabrous-headed Hawkweed, Glandular Globe-thistle, Glaucous Michaelmas Daisy, Globe Artichoke, Globe-thistle, Goat's Beard, Golden Ragwort, Golden Samphire, Goldilocks Aster, Grass-leaved Goldenrod, Great Lettuce, Greater Burdock, Greater Knapweed, Grey-headed Hawkweed, Guernsey Fleabane, Hairless Blue Sow-thistle, Hairless Leptinella, Hairy Michaelmas Daisy, Harpur Crewe's Leopardsbane, Hawkweed Oxtongue, Heath Cudweed, Heath Groundsel, Hemp Agrimony, Highland Cudweed, Hoary Mugwort, Hoary Ragwort, Hybrid Knapweed, Intermediate Burdock, Irish Fleabane, Jersey Cudweed, Jerusalem Artichoke, Lance-leaved Hawkweed, Lavender-cotton, Leafless Hawksbeard, Least Lettuce, Leopardplant, Leopardsbane, Leptinella, Lesser Burdock, Lesser Hawkbit, Lesser Sunflower, London Bur-marigold, Magellan Ragwort, Marsh Cudweed, Marsh Hawksbeard, Marsh Ragwort, Marsh Sow-thistle, Marsh Thistle, Meadow Thistle, Melancholy Thistle, Mexican Fleabane, Milk Thistle, Mountain Everlasting, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Musk Thistle, Narrow-leaved Cudweed, Narrow-leaved Hawkweed, Narrow-leaved Michaelmas Daisy, Narrow-leaved Ragwort, New England Hawkweed, New Zealand Holly, Nipplewort, Nodding Bur-marigold, Northern Hawksbeard, Norwegian Mugwort, Oxeye Daisy, Oxford Ragwort, Pearly Everlasting, Perennial Cornflower, Perennial Ragweed, Perennial Sow-thistle, Perennial Sunflower, Pineapple Mayweed, Plantain-leaved Leopardsbane, Ploughman's Spikenard, Plymouth Thistle, Pontic Blue Sow-thistle, Prickly Lettuce, Prickly Sow-thistle, Purple Coltsfoot, Rayed Tansy, Red Star Thistle, Red-seeded Dandelion, Red-tipped Cudweed, Robin's Plantain, Roman Chamomile, Rough Cocklebur, Rough Hawkbit, Rough Hawksbeard, Russian Lettuce, Safflower, Salsify, Saw-wort, Scented Mayweed, Scentless Mayweed, Sea Aster, Sea Mayweed, Sea Wormwood, Seaside Daisy, Shaggy Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Shaggy Soldier, Shasta Daisy, Shetland Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Shrub Ragwort, Sicilian Chamomile, Silver Ragwort, Slender Mugwort, Slender Thistle, Small Cudweed, Small Fleabane, Smooth Cat's-ear, Smooth Hawksbeard, Smooth Sow-thistle, Sneezeweed, Sneezewort, Spear Thistle, Spotted Cat's-ear, Spotted Hawkweed, Sticky Groundsel, Stinking Chamomile, Stinking Hawksbeard, Tall Fleabane, Tall Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Tansy, Thin-leaved Sunflower, Treasureflower, Trifid Bur-marigold, Tuberous Thistle, Tyneside Leopardplant, Viper's Grass, Wall Lettuce, Welsh Groundsel, Welted Thistle, White African Daisy, White Butterbur, White Buttons, Willdenow's Leopardsbane, Winter Heliotrope, Wood Burdock, Wood Ragwort, Woody Fleabane, Woolly Thistle, Yarrow, Yellow Chamomile, Yellow Fox and Cubs, Yellow Oxeye, Yellow Star Thistle, Yellow Thistle, York Groundsel
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual or Perennial
Maximum Size:
80 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, lawns, roadsides, walls, wasteland.

Flower:
֍
Orange, many petals
 
Large, orange, daisy-like, up to 7cm across.
Fruit:
A long curved achene.
Leaves:
Leaves can be stalkless or stalked. The alternate, untoothed and hairy leaves are narrow and rounded with a tip which tapers into a point.
Aroma:
Aromatic.
Other Names:
Common Marigold, English Marigold, Garden Marigold, Gold-bloom, Holligold, Marybud, Poet's Marigold, Ruddles, Scotch Marigold.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Other Information

Summary

Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, is an annual or biennial flowering plant that is native to the Mediterranean region, but now widely cultivated and naturalized in many parts of the world. It typically grows to be a small plant, reaching heights of 12-24 inches. The plant has dark green leaves and produces large, bright yellow or orange flowers that are typically 2-3 inches in diameter. The flowers bloom in the summer and fall. This plant is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens, and also has medicinal properties, often used as a natural remedy for skin irritation and wound healing. The petals of the flowers are edible and are often used in salads, sandwiches and soups.

Blog

Pot marigolds, also known as Calendula officinalis, are a type of herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. They are widely cultivated for their ornamental value and medicinal properties. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America and Australia.

Pot marigolds are easy to grow and require minimal care. They prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine. They can be grown from seeds or from seedlings, which can be planted directly in the garden or in containers. Pot marigolds have bright orange or yellow flowers that bloom from early summer to late fall. They are a great addition to any garden, adding color and texture to flower beds and borders.

Pot marigolds have a long history of medicinal use. The ancient Greeks and Romans used the plant for its healing properties, and it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Pot marigolds contain a variety of compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. They are often used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. They can also be used to soothe insect bites and stings.

Pot marigolds can be used in a variety of ways. The flowers can be dried and used to make teas, tinctures, and salves. They can also be used fresh in salads or as a garnish. Pot marigold oil can be extracted from the flowers and used in skincare products such as lotions and balms. Pot marigolds are also used in the food industry to add color to butter, cheese, and other products.

Pot marigolds are not just useful but also environmentally friendly. They attract beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, which help pollinate other plants in the garden. They are also believed to repel certain pests such as nematodes and aphids. Pot marigolds are also easy to compost, making them a great addition to a compost pile.

Pot marigolds, also known as Calendula officinalis, have a variety of culinary uses. The flowers have a slightly sweet and spicy flavor and can be used to add color and flavor to soups, stews, and other dishes. They can also be used to make a natural food dye, providing a healthy alternative to artificial food coloring.

Pot marigolds have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and modern research has supported some of their traditional uses. Studies have found that pot marigold extracts have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation and pain. They have also been shown to have antimicrobial properties and may be effective against certain types of bacteria and fungi.

Pot marigolds are also a popular ingredient in natural skincare products. The flowers contain compounds that are believed to have skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Pot marigold oil can be used to moisturize and protect the skin, and it may be particularly helpful for those with dry or sensitive skin.

Pot marigolds are easy to grow and require minimal care. They can be grown in almost any type of soil, but they prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine. They can be grown from seeds or seedlings and can be planted directly in the garden or in containers. They are drought-tolerant and can withstand hot and dry conditions.

Pot marigolds are a great addition to any garden. They attract beneficial insects, provide color and texture to flower beds and borders, and have a variety of culinary and medicinal uses. They are a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow and care for, making them a great choice for both experienced and novice gardeners alike.

Pot marigolds are a versatile and beneficial plant that can be used in a variety of ways. Whether used for their ornamental value, culinary uses, or medicinal properties, pot marigolds are a valuable addition to any garden. They are easy to grow and require minimal care, making them a great choice for both experienced and novice gardeners alike.

Pot marigolds are not only a beneficial plant for humans but also for the environment. They are known for their ability to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, which are essential for the pollination of many other plants in the garden. By planting pot marigolds in your garden, you can help support local pollinator populations and promote biodiversity.

Pot marigolds are also believed to have allelopathic effects, which means that they can release chemicals that inhibit the growth of certain plants. This makes them a great companion plant for vegetables and other crops, as they can help control weed growth and reduce competition for nutrients.

Pot marigolds have a long history of use in traditional medicine, and their medicinal properties are still being explored today. They have been found to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making them a potential treatment for a variety of health conditions. They are commonly used in herbal remedies for digestive issues, menstrual cramps, and skin irritations.

Pot marigolds are also a popular ingredient in natural beauty and skincare products. They contain compounds that are believed to promote skin health and have anti-aging effects. They can be used to soothe dry, irritated skin and may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Pot marigolds have a rich history and cultural significance in many parts of the world. They were used in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures for their medicinal properties, and were also used as a dye for clothing and other textiles. In the Middle Ages, pot marigolds were often used in cooking and brewing, and were believed to have magical properties that could ward off evil spirits.

Pot marigolds were also used during World War I as a disinfectant for wounds and as a treatment for trench foot. They were grown in hospitals and used by military medical personnel to help prevent infections.

Today, pot marigolds continue to be a popular plant in many parts of the world. They are commonly used in traditional medicine, and their many health benefits are being explored through modern scientific research. They are also a popular ingredient in natural beauty and skincare products, and are increasingly being used in the food industry as a natural food coloring and flavoring agent.

In addition to their many benefits, pot marigolds are a great plant to grow for children. They are easy to grow and care for, and their colorful flowers can help spark an interest in gardening and the natural world. Children can also use the flowers to make natural dyes and create their own homemade skincare products.

Overall, pot marigolds are a versatile and beneficial plant that can be used in a variety of ways. Whether used for their ornamental value, culinary uses, or medicinal properties, pot marigolds are a valuable addition to any garden. They are easy to grow and care for, and their bright and colorful flowers can add beauty and interest to any landscape.


Video

Pot Marigold filmed at Horwich, Lancashire on the 23rd July 2023 and at Glasson Dock village, Lancashire on the 30th July 2023. The ITV drama The Bay was filmed here at Glasson Dock in this location on the same day.

 

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Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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