Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Tagetes erecta
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| Common Names: |
Mexican Marigold, Aztec Marigold, Flor de Muerto
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| Key Name: |
African Marigold
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| Parts Used: |
Flowers, leaves, roots
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| Sister Plants: |
Tagetes patula, Calendula officinalis, Helianthus annuus
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| Comments: |
Annual herb attractive to pollinators; thrives in sunny, well-drained areas
|
Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Annual (1-3 ft), erect hairy stem, pinnate leaves with serrated leaflets, bright yellow or orange flower heads (2-4 in), blooming summer to fall
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| Stem: |
Erect, 1-3 ft, hairy, green
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| Leaves: |
Pinnate, 2-5 inches, serrated leaflets, dark green
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| Flowers: |
Bright yellow or orange flower heads, 2-4 in, blooming June-October
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| Fruit: |
Small achenes, 1-2 mm, ribbed
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| Taste: |
Bitter (leaves), mild (flowers)
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| Odour: |
Strong, pungent scent from flowers
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| Root: |
Fibrous taproot
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| Image URL: |
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to Mexico and Central America, cultivated worldwide
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| Cultivation: |
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; sow seeds in spring; space 12-18 inches apart; water moderately, tolerates drought
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| Harvest: |
Flowers: Summer to fall (June-October); Leaves: Summer
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Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diuretic, carminative
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| Medical Uses: |
Used for wounds, inflammation, digestive issues, and as a mild antiseptic; flowers for tea or poultices
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| Constituents: |
Flavonoids, carotenoids, essential oils
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| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (tincture), oil (distillation)
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| Dosage: |
Infusion: 1 tsp dried flowers in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Tincture: 1-2 mL three times daily
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| Administration: |
Internal: Infusion or tincture; External: Poultice or oil
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| Formulas: |
|
| Contra Indications: |
May cause allergic reactions or dermatitis; avoid during pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
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| Preparation: |
Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried flowers in hot water 10 min; Oil: Infuse flowers in carrier oil
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| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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| Veterinary: |
Used for wound healing or digestive support in livestock
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
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| Pollinator: |
1
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| Pollen: |
Yes
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| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, butterflies; some self-pollination
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| Nectar: |
Yes
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| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, beneficial insects
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Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Ornamental, pest repellent, dye
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| Culinary Uses: |
Flowers in teas or as garnish (use sparingly)
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| History: |
Used in Aztec medicine and rituals; adopted in European gardens since 16th century
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| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS
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| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Tagetes+erecta
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| Share: |
Private
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