marigold

Any of about 50 species of annual herbaceous plants that make up the genus Tagetes in the aster family (Asteraceae), native to southwestern North America. The name also refers to the pot marigold (calendula) and unrelated plants of several families. Marigolds include popular garden ornamentals such as African marigold (T. erecta) and French marigold (T. patula), which have solitary or clustered red, orange, and yellow flowers and usually finely cut leaves. Because the strongly scented leaves discourage insect pests, marigolds are often planted among vegetable crops.

Find more information on marigold. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on marigold.