Marigold

Marigold, a name given to certain plants of the natural order Compositeæ, chiefly of the genera Calendula and Tagetes. Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) is an annual, a native of France and the more southern parts of Europe, with an erect stem, 1 to 2 feet high, the lower leaves obovate on long stalks, and large, deep yellow flowers. It has long been very common in British gardens; there are varieties with double flowers. The whole plant has a slight aromatic odour and a bitter taste. It was formerly in great repute as a carminative, and was regarded also as an aperient and sudorific. The florets were the part used, and they were dried in autumn to be preserved for use. They are often employed to adulterate saffron, and sometimes for colouring cheese. They were formerly a frequent ingredient in soups, and are still so used in some parts of England. The genus Tagetes consists of annual and perennial herbaceous plants, natives of the warmer parts of America, although T. erecta, one of those most frequently cultivated in Britain, bears the name of African Marigold; and T. patula, another annual well known in British flower-borders, is called French Marigold. Both species are Mexican. They have been long in cultivation, are much admired, and require the assistance of a hotbed in spring in the colder parts of Britain. Corn Marigold is a Chrysanthemum (q.v.). Marsh Marigold (q.v.) has no botanical affinity with the true marigolds.