The medicinal plant marigold belongs to the family of the composite plants. Its Latin name, Calendula, refers to our “calendar”, which means that it blooms all summer until the first frosts. The calendula is usually annual, rarely biennial.
The medicinal plant grows about 30 to 50 cm high and has branched, hairy, light green stems. The hairy leaves are oblong and the yellow to orange flowers appear in June. In many gardens the marigold grows as an ornamental or medicinal plant.
The yellow-orange flower was found in almost every farm garden. The dried flowers and leaves of the marigold are used for medicinal purposes. The collection period is from June to October.
The cultivation of the marigold is simple. By sowing in the open field, strong plants grow after a few weeks. When the flowers are harvested, new buds can form again. In addition, new plants are always sown.
Synonyms in a broader sense
The marigold has the Latin name Calendula officinalis. It belongs to the Astericeae family, like chamomile, dandelion, milk thistle or purple coneflower (Echenaceae purpurea). The marigold is also popularly called golden flower, marigold rose, garden marigold, ringula or warts.
Plant description
Annual plant, up to 50 cm high, hairy stem and leaves. Large, bright yellow flower heads. Flowering time: June to October. Occurrence: As ornamental plant in gardens, as medicinal plant cultivated in cultures.
History
The marigold was known in the Middle Ages and in all ancient cultures as a dye, medicinal herb, spice and also a magic plant. The German name derives from the curved shape of its seeds. Hildegard von Bingen already worked with the medicinal plant and named it Ringula and Ringella.
To this day, the marigold is one of the most well-known and important medicinal plants. It has a long tradition in the monastery gardens of the Middle Ages. In the Middle Ages, women used the blossom of the calendula to dye their hair. The plant, which is native to southern Europe, is cultivated and grown all over Europe.
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