- Calendula officinalis L. - Composite family Parts Usually Used
Description of Plant(s) and Culture Calendula, or Marigold, is
an annual garden plant; reaches a height of 20-28 inches, with
an angular, branched, hairy stem 1-2 feet high. The leaves are
alternate, sessile, spatulate or oblancleolate, dentate with
widely spaced teeth, and hairy. From June to October the plant
bears large, brilliant, yellow or orange, terminal flower heads
that measure over 1.6 inches across. Opens its petals at nine
and closes them at four. (This is not the common American garden
marigold (Tagetes lucida), which is derived from Mexican
marigold.) True marigold is an old European Cultivated. Native
to central, eastern and southern Europe. Antispasmodic,
aperient, cholagogue (increases flow of bile), diaphoretic,
vulnerary (heals wounds), emmenagogue, diaphoretic, alterative,
astringent Essential oil containing carotenoids (carotene,
calenduline and lycopine), a saponin, resin and bitter principle
Legends, Myths and Stories In m