Herb. No. 012 · Asteraceae
Southern European pot marigold. Easy annual wherever summers are not tropically wet.
Native · Mediterranean
Native Also grownNow a garden plant worldwide
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Calendula
Calendula officinalis
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Pot marigold — the herbalist's everyday skin flower.
Not the Tagetes marigold of bedding packs. Calendula's orange resinous petals are a classic vulnerary: they support the surface as it knits. Internally it has been used as a gentle lymphatic and menstrual herb. One of the easiest medicinal annuals to grow.
Flavor
Resinous, peppery petals with a marigold bitterness.
Parts used
Flower heads
Helpful
- Edible petals
- Blooms until frost
- Excellent infused oil
Cautions
- Asteraceae allergy
- Stains fabric